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Earth could be under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire people to make a difference.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

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

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”