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The world could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage individuals to make a difference.

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

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact 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 about constructive efforts that people are making.”