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Our planet could be under pressure, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”