Introduction
Since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), faith-based organizations have continued in their leadership of on-the-ground efforts to restore degraded ecosystems, protect biodiversity and engage their local communities with opportunities to learn about and care for nature.
With the focus now turning towards the implementation of the GBF, this report showcases the significant work being undertaken by faith-based organizations around the world to achieve a nature positive world and make peace with nature.
This pioneering report offers insights for a wide range of stakeholders. Faith groups will find guidance on environmental care, while civil society organizations and businesses can explore partnerships with religious communities. Governments implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework will gain understanding of faith-based contributions to conservation. Researchers and international organizations will discover valuable case studies on the intersection of spirituality and biodiversity protection. By highlighting these diverse perspectives, the report aims to catalyze collaboration and enhance faith-led conservation efforts globally.
FAITHS AND THE WHOLE OF SOCIETY APPROACH
Around the world, faith-based organizations (FBOs) and spiritual communities are actively initiating and participating in myriad efforts to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and the pollution of our soil, air and water. Within the context of the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), faith groups bring understandings and perspectives that can complement other other initiatives as part of the whole of society approach needed to achieve the Goals and Targets of the KMGBF.
1. Moral Authority: In harmony with Nature, because we are Nature Religious teachings about nature include how the world was created, the importance of caring for the living system, the respective roles of humans and wildlife, and how to ensure human-nature relationships are in balance and mutually beneficial. Stewardship, care-taking and recognizing our interconnectedness with the world are common ways faith groups understand their relationship with and care of nature.
2. Community Engagement and Holistic Worldviews: Caring for all strengthens all Across religious understanding, justice and care for the vulnerable is a related key motivator for action. Faith traditions offer ethical frameworks and value systems that complement scientific and economic arguments for protecting biodiversity and fostering resilient communities. Among these, gender equality, indigenous rights, and intergenerational collaboration provide evermore integrated approaches. This helps translate KMGBF goals into concepts that are meaningful within diverse cultural and spiritual contexts; and integrated approaches that include education and advocacy.
3. Extensive Grassroots Networks: Local communities and global coalitions Religious communities often serve as bridges between governments, NGOs, indigenous groups, and local communities, facilitating the “whole of society approach” called for in the KMGBF. Faith groups often excel at coalition-building and can foster interfaith and intersectoral collaboration. For some of these groups, setting measurable targets aligned with the KMGBF has provided structure, reassurance and motivation. By more explicitly aligning their efforts with the KMGBF and partnering with other sectors, more faith communities can play a crucial role in achieving the Goals and Targets of the KMGBF.
ABOUT FAITHS FOR BIODIVERSITY
Faiths for Biodiversity is an international coalition of faith-based organizations mobilizing and advocating for strong, ambitious action to halt and reverse biodiversity
loss. Established following the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity in 2020, and leading up to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, the coalition is
dedicated to advancing the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The coalition provides a unique space for faith-based organizations (FBOs), conservation groups, and other civil society organizations to network, share resources, and
collaborate in advocating for biodiversity at key international events. Faiths for Biodiversity also works to enhance understanding of biodiversity concerns among
FBOs and strengthen their capacity to engage in biodiversity conservation efforts.
You can learn more about our work at https://biodiversity.faith and join our digital community at https://bit.ly/47ZEOSm
The “Citizens Engaged in Environmental Justice for All” project focuses on forest protection in Cambodia. It involves the Monk Community Forest (MCF), a group of Buddhist monks protecting the Sorng Rukhavoan Wildlife Sanctuary. MCF mobilizes local communities, advocates for better law enforcement, and engages other faith actors in forest protection. Activities include patrol teams, forest boundary demarcation, awareness-raising, and use of technology for monitoring. A central feature of this work are tree ordination ceremonies. Combined with marches and interfaith dialogues, these activities attract over 1,500 participants. These ceremonies strengthen MCF’s profile, encourage faith-based engagement in forest protection, and establish new partnerships
Tags: COP16 Columbia, Faiths for Biodiversity, Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Uniting for Nature
