Sisyphus and species conservation

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPEVINE**media[16047]**A figure from Greek mythology, Sisyphus is often depicted as a man rolling an immense boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down every time he nears the top. He’s forced to repeat this action for eternity in the Underworld, as punishment. Through the classical influence on contemporary Language and Culture, tasks or projects that are considered laborious or near-futile are now described as Sisyphean. And while Sisyphus can mean utter frustration and futility, there are other interpretations that make Sisyphus heroic, for his dogged determination and his compulsion to push against the rules — to defy the absurdity of the situation he is in.I was reminded of Sisyphean challenges when I attended Phase 2 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ “Save From Extinction” campaign, at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium the other week. The campaign was first launched in October 2024; and I’m happy to say I was present then, and wrote about this valiant effort to help save six endangered species of Philippine fauna. Specifically, the six are the Philippine eagle and cockatoo, the Philippine pangolin and tamaraw, and the marine turtle (pawikan) and dugong. It may be coincidental, but that’s two from the Air, two from the Land, and two Aquatic creatures.**media[16049]**Sisyphean in nature because if we’re brutally honest about it, species conservation, whether for Philippine fauna or flora, will always be an uphill struggle. There’s no instant gratification or documenting immediate results when you’re talking tree planting, and species or habitat protection. All your efforts are spread over a protracted and formidable timeline; and much of these efforts will happen at a distance — in forests, in seabeds, in treetops, and in remote mountain areas.So when the DENR works with the six NGOs that are dedicated to these conservation efforts, a lot of it is based on trust and faith. And now, you’re asking the general public to donate, support, and advocate based on that same trust. It’s not an easy task, given that not everyone are animal or plant lovers, or will ‘feel’ these species are truly on the brink of extinction, or even care. Is the public aware that the pangolins are hunted and used for exotic medicine? That cockatoos are illegally trapped, then sold abroad? That besides already facing danger and mortality from predators in their natural habitats, Man has been a major culprit responsible for their declining populations?It’s from a conversation that Former DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga had with SM’s Tessie Sy-Coson, while on a flight to the USA, that this collaboration of DENR with the SM Group had it’s genesis. The big idea was to address this threat to our bio-diversity via a multi-pronged approach that would utilize the assets and reach of the SM ‘network’ to generate stronger awareness, and deliver fund-raising mechanisms.**media[16048]**First, Kultura, SM Fashion, and now Toy Kingdom, were mobilized to create merchandise that would highlight these six animals. So there are T-Shirts, tote bags, cute stuffed toys, and appealing children’s apparel that are part of the campaign, and a percentage of the purchase price of these items go to the six NGOs. It’s retail with a social conscience, under the umbrella of Green Finds of SM Retail.There are exciting modules set up under Green Finds at selected SM Malls, and it’s happening at the Kultura stores that you’ll find at Mall of Asia, SM Makati, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, and the Podium. Where Green Finds are being promoted, one can inquire about the Save From Extinction merchandise. And SM Supermalls have joined in, collaborating with strategically located booths that act as beacons for increasing Save From Extinction visibility and awareness.With BDO, one can donate via the numerous BDO ATM’s found nationwide, and at all the BDO branches. The BDO online app can also be used for this act of “giving.” It’s about “Advocate, Educate, and Donate,” with the endangered species in mind. The six NGO’s who will be the beneficiaries of the donations are, in no particular order, the Forest Foundation Philippines, the Zoological Society of London, World Wildlife Fund, the Katala Foundation, the Philippine Eagle Foundation, and D’Aboville Foundation. Each has a specific program that addresses the conservation concerns of any one of the highlighted species.And there’s a strident call to action for private companies to support the DENR, and become “partners” in the conservation efforts. It was heartening to see many of these companies show their presence during the Phase 2 launch event that took place at the Mall of Asia. I can only hope that incoming DENR Secretary Lotilla continues forging these Public-Private synergies, and expanding the capabilities of the Department in getting things done in a manner that’s science-based, yet community-driven.**media[16046]**Save From Extinction is an illuminating and evolving template for Compassion into Retail Action, allowing the consumer and his/her purchases be part of the conservation process, and the struggle to save these endangered species. With all of us pitching in, it can poetically be, a case of Sisyphus Fulfilled — what we owe the generations to come, that these animals will still be around.Photo captions: FORMER DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga; with Hans Sy and daughter, Hanna Carinna Sy. A SAMPLING OF THE WONDERFUL Save From Extinction merchandise. GRACE MAGNO, Jordan Tan, Emil Yap, and JonJon San Agustin at the Save From Extinction event.