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Our planet could be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

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

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”