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The world could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to act.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”