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The world could be under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world 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 Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”