🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Celebrate Those Acting to Better the World. Our planet could be under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage the public to act. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world. Award Details The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year. It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she had with the festival.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member. Format and Inspiration A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields. “The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal. Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.” “To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.” A Call to Action As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.” Another key issue at present involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.” Hope and Determination The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.” A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world. “As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions 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 give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”