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Earth might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners 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 Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”