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Our planet might be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire individuals to act.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved 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 the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”