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Earth might be under strain, but there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”