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The world might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

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

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”