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The world might be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage people to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”