🔗 Share this article

The world might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique relationship she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”