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The world could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage the public to make a difference.

The medal will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”