🔗 Share this article

The world could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run 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 vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”