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Our planet might be under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

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

The Medal's Framework

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “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 once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”