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Earth could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often 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 give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”