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Our planet could be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“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. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”