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The world is under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”