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Our planet is facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”