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The world might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe 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 essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”