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The world might be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to act.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at 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 member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”