🔗 Share this article The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Recognise Those Working to Improve the World. Earth is facing challenges, but there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to take action. An event related to the Starmus festival. The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity. Award Details Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event 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 backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close relationship she shared with the festival.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative. Format and Inspiration One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories. “The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal. Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.” “To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.” Following an Example Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.” A major topic currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”. “We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.” Optimism and Resolve The goal is that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.” A family member engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment. “As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”