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Our planet is under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to take action.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”