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The world could be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to act.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”