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The world is under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to take action.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s 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. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”