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The world could be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”