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Earth might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to act.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she had 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 for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”