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Earth is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”