In our current situation of worldwide environmental degradation and the threat by human enterprise to many species of plants, insects and animals, I believe a memorial to species recently made extinct could be both healing and could enhance environmental awareness. Both international and national memorials could be created. Our ability to act in favour of the environment and other living things would increase if a formal place were to be set aside in this way. It would help us to confront the grief stemming from the loss of forms of life resulting from our human actions.
One can envision a monument based on the prehistoric mounds in Britain, one that could be approached by visitors from all sides. A lowered land 'moat' around the mound would provide an area away from distant sight-lines for meditation. Near the monument a limited number of outdoor works of art would be dedicated symbolically or specifically to extinct species. An educational facility nearby, but not visually part of the memorial, could have information and exhibits.
While it might occasion political and educational events, the primary purpose of the memorial would be to draw individual people closer to their fellow living beings, to heal the deep emotions related to the tragic aspect of our ecological circumstances, and to inspire future changes in our care of the environment.
David Stroud, 1719 1/2 Broderick St, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA (tel 001 415 928 0133).
Previous / Next / Table of Contents