On Folktales and conservation: Mararison Island

According to legend, Mararison (also called Malalison) was once a wayward child, cursed to drift away from the mainland due to disobedience. Like many other indigenous tales, this story carries themes of respect—both for authority and for nature. Beyond its mythical origins, Mararison Island today stands as a living testament to the delicate balance between human presence and ecological sustainability.

Rich in biodiversity, the island is home to rolling grasslands, coral reefs, and endemic species, making it a crucial site for conservation efforts. However, like many small islands, it faces increasing threats from climate change.

In April 2024, the youth-led organization Dulungan Youth, based in Culasi, hosted the Blue Carbon: Ocean and Climate Art Camp—a three-day gathering on the island with 19 participants (ages 17–24) from across the province of Antique. The event was the brainchild of Dulungan Youth founder Javie Barcinal, a 2024 grantee of the True Blue Fellowship under the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Program.

Throughout the camp, participants engaged in various activities and discussions, including presentations on Just Energy Transition and Climate Justice, as well as artistic workshops on cyanotype printing, nature poetry, and a guided day hike around the island.

I had the opportunity to facilitate a Climate Memory workshop, where participants shared personal experiences of climate change, particularly memories of typhoons that had caused destruction and left lasting climate anxiety. As part of the processing, they were encouraged to recognize their power as young leaders and to envision their roles in future climate and environmental advocacy.

In this way, folktales are more than relics of the past; they continue to shape the narratives of the present. In the reality of a changing climate, these stories must evolve—not just to reflect the struggles faced by communities but to inspire action and safeguard the future.