🔗 Share this article A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Recognise Those Working to Improve the World. Earth could be under strain, but there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to take action. 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 this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity. Honoring a Legacy The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year. According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique bond she shared with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative. Format and Inspiration One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions. “The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award. Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.” “To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.” Inspiring Change As a result, observers believe this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.” A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.” Hope and Determination The goal remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.” A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged with their community, 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. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”