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The world could be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”