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Our planet could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”