🔗 Share this article A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Honor Those Acting to Improve the Planet. Our planet might be under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to make a difference. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity. Honoring a Legacy The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year. Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she had with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative. Structure and Vision One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions. “It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal. Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.” “In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.” A Call to Action As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.” A pressing concern at present involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”. “We realised that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.” Hope and Determination The hope remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.” A descendant engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment. “As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”