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The world is facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on 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 conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly 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. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”