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The world could be under strain, however there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to take action.

The medal will honor in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced 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, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”