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The world is under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire people to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”