🔗 Share this article The Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Recognise Individuals Acting to Better the World. The world might be under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to act. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth. Award Details Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year. According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close relationship she shared with the festival.” “This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member. Format and Inspiration A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories. “The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award. Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.” “In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.” Following an Example As a result, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.” Another key issue at present is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”. “There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.” Hope and Determination The hope remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.” A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment. “As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” 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.”