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The world might be under pressure, however there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”