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Earth might be under strain, however there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”