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Earth is under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition 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; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage 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, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”