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Our planet could be under pressure, however there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”