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Earth might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The theme 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 when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”