🔗 Share this article A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Honor Those Working to Better the Planet. Earth could be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to act. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world. Award Details Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year. According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with the festival.” “This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member. Format and Inspiration A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions. “It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal. Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.” “To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.” A Call to Action Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.” Another key issue today involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.” Optimism and Resolve The hope is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.” A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world. “As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”