🔗 Share this article The Jane Goodall Earth Medal to Recognise Individuals Working to Better the Planet. Earth is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire people to make a difference. An event 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 will recognise individuals and groups that champion life on Earth. The Medal's Framework Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year. Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close relationship she had with the festival.” “This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member. Format and Inspiration One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields. “It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal. Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.” “Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.” Inspiring Change As a result, observers believe it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals around us.” A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.” Optimism and Resolve The goal remains that this honor will spur action. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.” A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment. “As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”