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The world might be under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet 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 noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often 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,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”