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The world might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”