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Our planet could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“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. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”