Remembrance Day for Lost Species, November 30th, is a chance each year to explore the stories of species, cultures, lifeways and habitats driven extinct by unjust power structures and exploitation, past and ongoing.

It emphasises that these losses are rooted in violent, racist and discriminatory economic and political practices. It provides an opportunity for people to renew commitments to all that remains, and supports the development of creative and practical tools of resistance.

Participate in Remembrance Day for Lost Species by holding – or joining – any kind of memorial to lost species or places. This could take the form of an art project, a procession, lighting a candle, planting a tree, or any kind of action you like.

Martha’s Flock at the Life Cairn, Mount Caburn 2014. Photos: Robin Taylor

 In 2014, WWF-UK reported in its Living Planet report that Earth has lost half its wildlife in the last 40 years. However, worse is to come as climate change and habitat loss are leading us into the Sixth Mass Extinction. Now is the time to create new rituals for remembering and mourning  those we have lost, and for celebrating and making commitments to those remaining.

Passenger Pigeon war memorial, Camilla Schofield, 2011. Photo: Rebecca Anson

 

 Thylacine Ghost by Gabbee Stolp

Bombus franklini by Eti Meacock. Photo: Abi Horn