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

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

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”