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The world is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”