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The world could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “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 transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”