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The world might be under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place 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 – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was 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 of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, 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 give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”