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The world is facing challenges, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, 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 give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”