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Earth could be under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”