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The world is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage the public to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“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 for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to 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 the positive actions that people are making.”