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The world might be under strain, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”