🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Honor Those Striving to Better the World. The world is under pressure, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to make a difference. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth. Honoring a Legacy The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year. According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative. Format and Inspiration A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions. “It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award. Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.” “To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.” A Call to Action Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.” A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “We realised that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.” Optimism and Resolve The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.” A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world. “As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”