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The world might be under pressure, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a 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, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”