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The world is under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”