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The world is under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared 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 Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”