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The world might be under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”