🔗 Share this article The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Recognise Individuals Striving to Improve the World. Earth might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to make a difference. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world. The Medal's Framework The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year. Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member. Structure and Vision One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields. “The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal. Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.” “To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.” A Call to Action As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.” A major topic currently is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.” Hope and Determination The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.” A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment. “As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”