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The world is under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

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

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”