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Our planet could be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming 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 a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”