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Earth might be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”