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Our planet is under strain, but there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to take action.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”