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The world is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next 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, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved 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 stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”