🔗 Share this article The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Acting to Improve the Planet. The world might be under strain, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to make a difference. An event related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth. Award Details Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, 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 award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with the festival.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member. Structure and Vision One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories. “It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal. Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.” “To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.” Inspiring Change Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.” Another key issue today is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”. “It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.” Hope and Determination The goal is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.” A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world. “As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”