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Earth is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”