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Earth could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run 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 concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

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.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”