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Our planet could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision 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 unique relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”