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The world is under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact 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 currently in progress.”