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The world might be under pressure, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must 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 descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”