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Our planet might be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”