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The world is facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”