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Earth could be under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”