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Earth might be under pressure, yet 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 make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, 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 close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”