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Our planet could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to make a difference.

The medal will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”