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The world might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”