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Earth is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world 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 the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”