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The world is under strain, however there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”