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The world might be under strain, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to act.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”