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The world might be under strain, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”