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Our planet is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate people to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”