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The world is under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to act.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions 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 the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”