🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Recognise Those Striving to Better the Planet. Our planet is under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage the public to act. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity. Award Details The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year. Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.” “This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member. Structure and Vision One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions. “It will 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, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.” “Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s 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. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.” Another key issue today involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”. “It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.” Optimism and Resolve The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.” A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world. “As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”