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The world could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects 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

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created 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 remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”