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The world could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”