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The world could be under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”