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Earth could be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

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

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”