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The world might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”