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Our planet is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”