🔗 Share this article The Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Celebrate Individuals Striving to Better the Planet. Our planet is under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to act. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world. Honoring a Legacy The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year. Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative. Format and Inspiration A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories. “The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal. Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.” “In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.” Inspiring Change Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.” A pressing concern currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”. “It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.” Optimism and Resolve The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.” A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world. “As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”