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The world could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate the public to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”