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Our planet is under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”