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Earth could be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”