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Earth could be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”