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Earth might be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

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”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”