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Our planet is facing challenges, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good which means we need to commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”