🔗 Share this article The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Recognise Those Striving to Improve the World. Earth could be under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to act. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world. The Medal's Framework The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year. Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique bond she shared with the festival.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative. Structure and Vision A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions. “It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal. Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.” “In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.” Inspiring Change As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.” Another key issue at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”. “We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.” Hope and Determination The goal remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.” A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world. “As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”