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Earth could be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement 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 Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” 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 this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”