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Religious following in biodiversity hotspots: challenges and opportunities for conservation and development

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 15:00 authored by Shonil A Bhagwat, Nigel Dudley, Stuart R Harrop
Biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation both have moral agendas. World religions have historically advocated ethical and moral codes of conduct, which can be supportive of these objectives. But can religions play a direct role in conservation and development? We examine the potential of religions in facilitating biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. A quantitative analysis of countries represented within Conservation International's list of Biodiversity Hotspots suggests a high level of plurality of religious following, but also a significant need for economic development and environmental conservation. Although attitudes of religions toward conservation and development vary widely, and some fundamentalist elements within religions can contradict moral agendas of conservation and development, we suggest that partnerships between conservation and development organizations and mainstream, as well as minor, faith groups might provide a positive force. Such partnerships can render greater public legitimacy and provide capability to mobilize mass support for biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Conservation Letters

ISSN

1755-263X

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Issue

3

Volume

4

Page range

234-240

Department affiliated with

  • Law Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2013-05-24

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    University of Sussex (Publications)

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