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The world might be under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to act.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”