🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Recognise Those Working to Better the Planet. Our planet might be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate the public to make a difference. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity. Award Details The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year. According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member. Structure and Vision A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields. “It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal. Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.” “To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.” Inspiring Change As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.” Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.” Optimism and Resolve The hope is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.” A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment. “As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”