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Earth could be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”