🔗 Share this article The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Those Working to Better the World. Our planet could be under pressure, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference. An event related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world. The Medal's Framework The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year. It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.” “This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member. Structure and Vision A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields. “The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award. Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers collective action.” “Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.” A Call to Action Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.” A pressing concern currently was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.” Optimism and Resolve The aspiration is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.” A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world. “As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”