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Earth could be under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after 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 for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today 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 is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”