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The world might be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”