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Earth might be under pressure, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire people to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”