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The world might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often 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. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”