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Earth is facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “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 this honor can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”