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Our planet might be under strain, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to make a difference.

The medal will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”