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Our planet could be under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”