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The world is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”