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Our planet might be under strain, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”