🔗 Share this article

The world is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”