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Our planet could be under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”