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Earth is under pressure, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to act.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

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

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”