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Our planet is under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

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

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”