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The world is under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to act.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”