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Earth might be under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“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 award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor 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 – which made her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”