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Earth could be under strain, however there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”