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The world could be under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to take action.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”