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Our planet is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant 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 increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”