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Our planet is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”