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The world might be under strain, however there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate people to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”