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Earth might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients 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, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”