Biodiversity Conservation Ethics in Major Religions

By H. S. A. Yahya

Covering three broader issues biodiversity conservation, religious doctrine and environment the book Biodiversity Conservation Ethics in Major Religions is the result of a unique approach. It attempts to initiate scientific discourse through the fabric of religions. Spread across 15 chapters, the book covers the essence of 10 religions on biodiversity, encompassing a wide range of issues related to conservation. The book promises to be a useful resource for biodiversity students, researchers and protected area managers and also for religious scholars who are invited to look at the broader themes of religions beyond theology.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 22, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452061252

H. S. A. Yahya

Prof. H.S.A. Yahya has been engaged in research, teaching, research supervision and conservation of biodiversity of India for over three decades. He has published numerous scientific papers besides writing eight books on a wide range of subjects - from natural science to popular travelogues. Prof. Yahya has attended international conferences and seminars across the world and has delivered talks in four continents. He is a member of several national and international conservation organizations - including Bombay Natural History Society, International Union of Conservation of Nature, World Wide Fund for nature conservation, World Pheasant Association, International Ornithological Congress, etc - and is a subject expert and committee member of several government and non-government institutions. Alongside University of Bombay, Prof. Yahya is an alumnus of Aberdeen University, Scotland, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology, U.S.A. He is proud to have been associated with Dr. Salim Ali, the doyen of Ornithology in South Asia, first as his PhD student and later as a co-worker on various avian conservation projects. Based on his research work, Prof Yahya published a monographic book, Biology of Indian Barbets, which is very popular among students and avian conservationists. His book, Importance of Wildlife Conservation from Islamic Perspective, published in English as well as in Urdu has received international acclaim.

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Contents

Foreword

Prologue and Acknowledgements

Chapter 1:

Introduction

Chapter 2:

Importance of Biodiversity

Chapter 3:

Major Religions of the World

Chapter 4:

Biodiversity Conservation

Ethics in Christianity

Chapter 5:

Biodiversity Conservation

Ethics in Islam

Chapter 6:

Biodiversity Conservation

Ethics in Hinduism

Chapter 7:

Biodiverssity Conservation

Ethics in Daoism

Chapter 8:

Biodiversity Conservation

Ethics in Buddhism

Chapter 9:

Biodiversity Conservation

Ethics in Sikhism

Chapter 10:

Biodiversity Conservation

Ethics in Judaism

Chapter 11:

Biodiversity Conservation

Ethics In Jainism

Chapter 12:

Biodiversity Conservation

Ethics in Shintoism

Chapter 13:

Biodiversity Conservation Ethics

in Zoroastrinism

Chapter 14:

Biodiversity Conservation and Worldorder

Appendices

About the Author

Foreword

OUR BEAUTIFUL PLANET IS HOME to a wealth of flora and fauna. However in the pursuit of progress, defined in materialistic terms, human kind has been destroying the richness of the natural habitat. As governments all over the world struggle to share responsibilities and take collective action to save biodiversity and environment, individual efforts have been making most of the difference. Prof. H. S. A. Yahya’s Biodiversity Conservation Ethics in major Religions falls into this category of individual initiative aimed at creating awareness in the midst of mounting challenges for the human race. The book will appeal to all and sundry and, in the process, help us emerge wiser.

But that is just one of the several ways in which this book can be put into perspective. This is a remarkable feat on various other fronts too. Subjects such as traditional concept of biodiversity, its uneven distribution and loss of habitat have been talked about for ages; but their juxtaposition with religion – in this case all organized religions – is cross-pollination of a unique kind. Despite the sensitivities involved in any faith-based approach, Prof. Yahya displays an extraordinary ability to treat his subject dispassionately. He is like a neutral preacher advocating the cause of Nature, citing green shoots in all scriptures known to mankind and inadvertently bringing the entire humanity under the same umbrella.

Not surprisingly, the clergy that used to call scientific discourse against divine designs and plans now affirms that there is hardly any contradiction between science and religion. This is peaceful co-existence at its best and an ethical approach to the science of Nature. Aside from the faith aspect, the book contains discourses on vital subjects such as green revolution, extinction of species, pollution and ecological conservation. Despite giving it a broad canvas, the author is careful not to waver from the central element i.e. conservation ethics.

Wildlife and Ornithology is Prof. Yahya’s home turf but this book is a true milestone in his growing body of work. Biodiversity Conservation Ethics in major Religions is bound to appeal to men and women of all religions and ideologies. It should exhort each one of us to go to our scriptures and seek answers to today’s environmental woes.

Ehtesham Shahid

Dubai, UAE

Prologue and Acknowledgements

MY BOOK IMPORTANCE OF WILDLIFE Conservation from Islamic Perspective (2003) received national and international acclaim. Suggestions were then made for a more comprehensive book on the issue of biodiversity conservation under the jurisprudence of all major religions.

I realized the enormity of the task because it needed a lot of research, cross references and patient editing. However, I set my eyes on it and waited for the second one-year leave entitlement from my academic pursuit at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). As per rules this could be granted five years after the end of first such leave.

In the meantime, I approached Mr. Neyaz Shaheen, President ProNasci Inc. Montreal, Canada, for some financial support to the project. After receiving his assurance, for which I am very grateful to him, I applied for the leave which the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis, kindly granted. This book is the outcome of one year’s research and several more months of gathering other inputs.

I am indebted to A. M. U. authorities for granting me the required leave. During my stay in Montreal Mr. Kalimullah Khan, a great bird enthusiast helped me in various ways. Mrs. Sumbul Malik, Messers Shakeel Ahamd, Nasir Shaheen, Asif Ahmad, Adil Ahamd, Tarique Mujtaba, Mrs. Janifer and other staff members of ProNasci and NSA Consultants were very helpful. I am obliged to all of them. The hospitality extended by my cousin Mrs. Nayyara Hashmi and her husband Mr. Barkat Hashmi during my stay in Montreal was heart warming.

I thoroughly enjoyed the lively company of Master Jamal, Miss Preesa and Miss Madina during my stay at Mr. Neyaz’s house. Their child-like queries and admiration are the sweetest memories from Montreal.

I am very grateful to Prof. A. R. Qidwai, Dept. of English & Director Academic Staff College, A.M.U. Aligarh, for going through the manuscript and improving it. His observation that the material collated for this book could form the basis for 2-3 PhDs is very encouraging. It is reassuring that the book is deemed useful not only for biodiversity conservationists and research scholars but also for students of religion and literature. I am also thankful to my nephew, Ehtesham Shahid, a prominent journalist based in Dubai, for agreeing to write the foreword of this book.

As has been the case during my earlier endeavors, I received constant encouragement from my wife Nasreen Akhtar, daughter Tazeen Fatima, son Mohammad Talha Shaeque, son-in-law Faisal Hoda and a number of other relatives and friends. I am grateful to all of them and those whose names escape my memory. This book wouldn’t have materialized without their wishes and support. Angel Steves and Elizabeth baker of Author House Publication quite enthusiastically followed the publication of the book; I am very appreciative of their sincere efforts.

Hafiz Shaeque Ahmad Yahya

New Jersey, U.S.A.

Chapter 1:

Introduction

THE SUSTAINABLE EXISTENCE OF OUR planet is largely dependent on well balanced ecosystems and healthy environment. However due to persistent over exploitation of natural resources, degradation of the environment and loss of biodiversity have taken place all over. Some of the evident reasons for such losses are habitat alteration, invasion of exotic species, genetic pollution, hybridization, global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, the green house effect, etc. Thus there is a pressing need to try to avert such a situation that could be disastrous for the survival of human being vis-à-vis other life forms. Though belated, it is a promising sign that many individuals and organizations have realized the importance of conservation of biodiversity but the general understanding and support as well as required political and public will are still inadequate. If the general public does not understand the urgency of biodiversity conservation and does not tackle it with more effective policies and actions, later efforts may be futile. If the present trend of depletion of biodiversity continues, the future of this planet will be in jeopardy.

Being hetrotrophs, the humans have been dependent on natural resources whether they being living (renewable) or non-living (non-renewable) since our existence. Biodiversity is manifested at gene, species, habitats and ecosystem levels. It is often used as a measure for the health of biological systems. As per certain estimation, present diversified life-forms, inhabiting mega, macro or micro biodiversity zones on earth, consist of many millions of biological species which are products of four billions of years of evolution.

In a larger perspective, conservation means wise use of natural resources. Although terms like ‘Ecosystem’, ‘Biodiversity’, ‘Wildlife Sciences’, ‘Protected Areas’, ‘Biosphere Reserves’, ‘Natural Heritage’, etc. are relatively new phrases, conservation of nature or biodiversity is not a new concept. During the course of human civilization many religions and cultures have prevailed on this planet and almost all of them emphasized maintaining a balanced ecosystem and peaceful lifestyle. There have been conflicts and wars but peace has been the catalyst to human progress. Despite a gradual decline in importance, religion’s role in shaping the history of mankind has been tremendous. In the philosophy and doctrines of all religions, in addition to moral building and firm belief in divinity of mankind, peaceful living and compassion towards other creatures, including animals and plants, has been the basic code of conduct. Despite civil advancements, religious teachings, by far, are the most biding guidelines for human beings. Live and let others live has been the motto of all religions. Besides humans, ‘others’ include all life forms that coexist with us. Our planet is a complex garden and no garden can remain beautiful and productive without its diverse life forms and a suitable environment. All living forms play an important role in the upkeep of harmony and productivity of nature. Through food chains/webs and biogeochemical cycles there is enormous interdependence among human and other biotic and abiotic factors. Humans have remarkable capacity to harvest resources and alter their environment for needs and comfort. But as a dominant species we also have great responsibility and accountability for maintaining a balance in our need and greed. However, due to our shortsightedness, natural resources have been overexploited resulting in the present ecological crisis. Although there is much more emphasis on conservation of biodiversity now, many scholars such as W. C. Lowdermilk (1940: The Eleventh Commandment, American Forests 46:12-15); Aldo Leopold (1949, A Sand Country Almanac, Oxford University Press); White Lynn Jr. (1967: The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis, Science 115:1203-1207), Hossein Nasr (1964, 1997 - The Problem, in Man and Nature eds; Kazi Publications, Chicago); Rachel Carson (1962- Silent Spring), Junathan Schell (1982 – The fate of the Earth), Bill Makibben (1989 – The End of Nature), Tucker and Grim (1994 – Worldviews and Ecology), etc. have given illustrative account of abuse of nature by humans and have had adequately warned mankind to restrain from unsustainable developments. But alas, our unwise actions of destroying natural resources continue rather has intensified gradually.

Therefore, considering the importance of biodiversity conservation all out efforts – scientific, cultural, social, economical, political, ethical, etc., are being tried to create awareness of its conservation under the aegis of various national and international organizations. There also has been considerable research and documentation on religions’ ethics for the safety of the environment vis-à-vis conservation of nature that includes all life forms whether tamed or wild, agriculture or forests, terrestrial or aquatic and so on. In fact religious and traditional concept of biodiversity conservation is much older than present day scientific approach. However, during last five to six decades there has been remarkable growing emphasis on environmental awareness under the aegis of International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Worldwide Fund of Nature Conservation (WWF), United Nation Environmental Program (UNEP), Birdlife International (BLI), Wetland International (WI), BONN & RAMSAR CONVENTIONS, RIOJEDEINARO EARTH SUMMIT, KEYOTO PROTOCOL, Forum of Religion and Environment (FORE), Alliance of Religion and Conservation (ARC), etc. In addition many treaties, legislations and policies have been formulated for restoring balance of ecosystems and for the safety of the environment. Many illustrative and informative publications have also come out that illuminate our understanding of nature conservation in general and with respect to religious instance. Among several useful publications, The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Ecology edited by Roger, S. Gottlieb published by Oxford University Press USA in 2006, is a very useful publication on this subject containing definitive overviews of exciting new developments on environmental crisis and biodiversity conservation.

From administrative point of view perhaps first of all, the Indian Government took a wise step as back as in 1972 creating a separate federal as well as provincial Ministry of Environment and Forests with the mandate of conservation of biodiversity and safety of environment, creating a very sound Protected Areas System. Rehabilitation Programs of Crocodiles, launching of Project Tiger, Project Elephants, Chipko Movement, Save Silent Valley Movement and many Flagship species conservation programs have been carried out by the Government as well as non-government organizations. Considering its importance, now many countries have shown growing concern for environmental safety though outcome of their efforts are rather deficient, more so in developing countries.. Most recently the documentary film AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH on the environmental issues by Al-Gore et.al, has illustrated this point quite effectively and they have been duly awarded a Nobel Prize as well as an Oscar Award for their efforts. Similarly the forum ‘Ecology and Religion’ has been highlighting biodiversity conservation issues on global scale for quite some time. Establishment of Harvard School of Ecology and Religion and subsequent conferences organized by this forum in many parts of the world has arose increasing responses on this important issue. Dialogues created through internet forum of The World Bank Group have opened a new vista for conservation of ecology/biodiversity as emphasized by different religions. In addition, several other useful websites are now available on similar topics that can be contacted for further information. Among many others (see Bibliographies), the writings of Hussein Nasr, Richard Foltz , Kensky, Peterson, McFague, Christopher, Ian Harris, O. P.Dwivedi, Thomas Aquinas, Hafiz Yahya, Schwarzschild and many others (see bibliographies) have highlighted the biodiversity conservation issues under the jurisprudence of world major religions. However, this book is dealt with more scientific temperament and fervor. Encouraged by positive reviews on my earlier book ‘Importance of Wildlife Conservation from an Islamic Perspective’ published in 2003, I am optimistic that my present effort will be also equally useful and interesting, more particularly for the students, research scholars and managers of protected areas dealing with wildlife, biodiversity or nature conservation issues.

Earlier some clergy members and preachers were of the opinion that scientific discourse is against divine designs and plans. But as realistic inputs on the issue have revealed, now it is affirmed that there is hardly any contradiction between science and religion. The concept of evolution (not necessarily Darwinian theories) of biodiversity under the process of natural selection is in accordance with the creativity of God and modern developments of science support this view. The famous physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Albert Einstein has rightly said, Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind. Scholars, preachers, leaders, and propagators of almost all religions are now unanimous that their religious ethics strongly support biodiversity/wildlife conservation. One interesting link between science, ethics and praxis has been illustrated by Calvin, B. Dewitt (2006; in The Oxford Handbook of World Religion and Ecology) under the heading ‘The Science and The Shepherd’. However, available theories and doctrine of religious in support of biodiversity conservation should be applied practically. That is my focal premise in this book.

There are several other emerging religions, such as Bahai, Mormon, Utah, Karsna, Neo-Paganism, etc. (Table 1) in the world, other than those I have dealt in this book. As stated by Foltz, their philosophy also supports conservation of biodiversity but considering marginal influence as well as unavailability of adequate reading materials on the issue, I have not described about all of them separately. Nevertheless, it is expected that the followers of these faiths and traditions are aware of the importance of biodiversity conservation and thereby will participate in safeguarding the health of the environment with similar enthusiasm and commitments as others. Among contemporary emerging religions the Bahai’s appear to be more nature oriented. Palmer & Finlay (2003) have given a good account on this aspect:, Bahai’s Scriptures teach that, as trustees of the planet’s vast resources and biological diversity humanity must seek to protect the ‘heritage of future generations’; see in nature a reflection of the divine; approach the earth, the source of material bounties, with humility; temper its actions with moderations; and be guided by the fundamental spiritual truth of our age, the oneness of humanity. The speed and facility with which we establish a sustainable pattern of life will depend, in the final analysis, on the extent to which we are willing to be transformed, through the love of God and obedience to His laws, into constructive forces in the process of creating an ever advancing civilization (Faith in Conservation: World Bank: 2003).

After Introduction Chapter 1, the 2nd and 3rd chapter of the book contains brief account of importance of biodiversity and major religions respectively, while 4th to 13th chapters encompass biodiversity conservation ethics in major religions of the world. In the last chapter an account of present trend of biodiversity conservation issues and various measures to tackle them has been discussed. Some of the very relevant information, list of websites, organizations and available bibliographies has been appended for the benefit of readers and for further references.

Chapter 2:

Importance of Biodiversity

THOUGH THE CONCEPT OF BIODIVERSITY conservation is rather new, systematic account and illustrations of natural history comprising wildlife and other organisms was first given by Aristotle as far back as 384-322 BC. As the readers would find in subsequent chapters of this book, the Scriptures of most religions also have illustrated availability and utility of various biological elements for the mankind. Many scientific literatures and books are also available on various aspects of biodiversity conservation. However, in this chapter a brief account of importance of biodiversity is given with a view to familiarizing the readers with the essence of the subject of discussion.

Evolution of the term:

The term Biodiversity was first used by E.O.Wilson in 1988 which is a derivation of Biological Biodiversity used by Robert E, Jenkins and Thomas Lovejoy which was originally coined by W. G. Rosen in 1985. Earlier, terms like natural diversity, natural heritage, diversified flora and fauna, etc was in practice for similar meanings. The use of the term has been more widespread among biologists, environmentalists, political leaders, and concerned citizens since the last decade of 20th century.

Definitions:

The term ‘biodiversity’ is a neologism word that has been variously defined. The simplest definition given by Gaston and Spicer (2004) is: variation of life at all levels of biological organization. Another definition can be: the sum total of all the different species of animals, plants, fungi and microbial organisms living on earth and variety of habitats. A third definition given by ecologists is the totality of genes, species, and ecosystems of a region. This definition gives a unified view of all three traditional levels at which the biodiversity manifests:

•   Genetic diversity – diversity of genes within a species. There is a genetic variability among the populations and the individuals of the same species.

•   Species diversity – diversity among species in an ecosystem.

•   Ecosystem diversity – diversity at a higher level of organization, the ecosystem. This could also be seen as diversity of habitat in a given unit area.

Yet another definition given for the term is, the range of organisms present in a particular ecological community or system. However, the most legally and widely accepted definition of ‘biodiversity’ is the one given in the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity as, the variability among living organisms from all sources, including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic systems, and ecological complexes of which they are part: this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Though a part and parcel of biodiversity, humans are not considered in its domain and any discussions about them is separately conducted under anthropology. As quoted by Christopher Hakkenberg (Worldviews 12 (2008:74-79), Xu and Wilkes (2004 – Xu Jianchu and Andreas Wilkes 2004. Biodiversity Impact Analysis in Northwest Yunan, Southwest China – Biodiversity and Conservation 13(5):959-983) have given an interesting explanation of biodiversity. According to their view "the biodiversity may be defined as the dynamic, multifaceted and complex product of the interactions between natural and soil systems, encompassing global ecology (hydrological cycles, food chain and climate regulation), economy (food, medicine, handicraft, fuel, and timber) and culture