🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Acting to Better the Planet. The world could be under pressure, but there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to make a difference. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity. The Medal's Framework The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year. According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.” “This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative. Format and Inspiration A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories. “The intent is for it to be modeled after 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, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.” “Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.” Following an Example Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.” Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”. “There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.” Optimism and Resolve The hope remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.” A family member engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment. “As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, 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. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”