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The world could be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”