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Earth might be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”