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The world might be under strain, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”