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Earth might be under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”