WORLD RELIGIONS AND ECOLOGY IN THE NEWS: ARCHIVES
OCTOBER, 2008: Barcelona World Congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Supports Efforts for Long Term Conservation of Sacred Natural Site
There is around the world a growing interest and recognition of the importance of the effort of a wide spectrum of faith groups, and indigenous and traditional people to conserve their sacred natural sites. Sacred natural sites, defined by IUCN, as an area of land or water having special spiritual significance to peoples or communities, are increasingly recognized as critical elements in the preservation of biological and cultural diversity, both of which are threatened by globalization. IUCN’s Guidelines for the Protected Area Managers grants international recognition for conservation of Sacred Natural Sites in protected areas. For the full text of this document go to http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/PAG-016.pdf
SEPTEMBER, 2008: Ancient Jain Festival Invites New Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Concern for the Poor
Chairmen of the Institute of Jainology, RP Chandaria, preparing for the annual celebration through which attempts are made to put an end to all vices, (Paryushan Parva) reminded members of the Jain community world-wide, that concern for the environment goes back to the origins of their tradition. Recalling that founder Lord Mahavira preached about the environment, he noted “all elements of nature were described as living beings and under the fundamental principle of Ahimsa, i.e., non-injury to living things.” Chandaria exhorted Jains, “No waste, no overuse, no abuse, no polluting. If we follow these principles then we would stop destroying our environment. [In] preserving resources the poor will also get a fairer share.” The celebration of this ancient festival has thus become a call to action for environmental sustainability for the approximate 5 million Jains around the world.
For additional information: http://www.arcworld.org/news.asp?pageID=258
AUGUST, 2008: World Religions Encouraged to Articulate Seven Year Faith Based Plans To Address Climate Change and the Natural Environment
In an exciting collaboration, the Alliance for Religions and Conservation (ARC), a secular body that helps the major religions of the world to develop their own environmental programs based on their own core teachings, beliefs and practices, has joined with the United Nations Development Program(UNDP) to encourage the world’s major faiths to address issues of climate change and the natural environment through the development of faith based Seven Year Plans for generational change. The heart of this program is that over the seven years from 2010 to 2017 the faiths will concentrate on shaping the behavior and outlook of the faithful for generations to come. ARC and UNDP list seven key areas for the plan: (1) Faith-consistent use of assets; (2) Education and young people; (3) Pastoral care—theology, tradition and wisdom; (4) Lifestyles; (5) Media and advocacy; (6) Partnerships, Eco-twinnings, and environmental departments; (7) Celebration.
Each of the world’s major religions is invited to create its Seven Year Plan so that it can be publicly announced and celebrated by November, 2009. ARC and UNDP calculate that these Plans will then be able to contribute directly to Climate Change meeting in Copenhagen at the end of November 2009, which will determine the shape of the next stage of the Kyoto Protocol, considered by many to be a crucial event for the future of the planet. For more information: www.arcworld.org/news.asp?pageID=249
JULY, 2008: First Islamic Conservation Guide Issued
The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES) and the Directorate of Fisheries in Zanzibar have issued the world’s first Islamic conservation guide. Using lessons from the Quar’an to show how vital fishing resources can be protected, the project aims to help local fishermen protect the the Misali conservation area, where fishing provides direct livelihood for 11,000 people, and which has until recently been threatened by unsustainable practices including dynamite fishing. (Misali Island is a small uninhabited area near Pemba island in Tanzania)
Founder and director of IFEES, Fazlun Khalid said, “This is a really exciting project, and the first of its kind. At a time when the Shariah is being misunderstood in some parts of the world it is good to demonstrate how it can contribute to protecting the environment. I hope this will be the first of many projects that use the Qur'an to promote conservation.” To learn more go to http://www.arcworld.org/news.asp?pageID=220
Have you heard of a religion & ecology current event of interest? Let us know! Contact Margaret Galiardi, O.P.
