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The world could be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will spur action. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”