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The world might be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”