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The world is under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise 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 the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”