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The world might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”