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Earth is facing challenges, but there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”