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The world could be facing challenges, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to take action.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special bond she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”