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Earth might be under strain, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on 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 – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”