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Earth might be under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”