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The world might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”