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The world might be under strain, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to take action.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, animals, 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 make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”