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The world could be under strain, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”