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Earth could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

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

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, 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 Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”