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The world might be under strain, however optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”