🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Recognise Individuals Striving to Improve the World. Earth might be under strain, however there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate the public to make a difference. An event related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world. The Medal's Framework The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year. According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique connection she had with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member. Format and Inspiration A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions. “The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award. Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.” “To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.” A Call to Action As a result, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.” A pressing concern currently was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.” Hope and Determination The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.” A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment. “As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”