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The world might be under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage people to take action.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant 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 about the positive actions currently in progress.”