🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Working to Improve the World. Earth could be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity. Honoring a Legacy The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year. According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close connection she had with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative. Structure and Vision A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories. “The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award. Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.” “In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.” Inspiring Change As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.” A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. 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 where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.” Optimism and Resolve The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.” A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment. “As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”