It would be fair to say that nearly all religions, cultures and traditions around the world have been deeply rooted in nature, drawing their inspiration and knowledge from it. The connection between human society and the natural world has been a sacred relationship for centuries.

But with our present urban lives expanding endlessly, we have become consumerists – taking more than we can give back. And now is the time to reconnect with nature, adopting sustainable daily behaviors, honoring our cultural and religious values.

This concept of linking sustainability with faith and ethics will be a focus of a session at the upcoming Earthna Summit, that will be held in Msheireb on 8-9 March, where religious leaders, climate change experts and policymakers will come together to propose solutions.

“Climate change has been mainly addressed through solutions based on science, technology and innovation. However, there is a very important discourse which is based on ethics and beliefs which will lead communities to live a more responsible life that aligns with their values and religious teachings,” says Ruba Hinnawi, Technical Lead at Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Earthna.

According to United Nations statistics, there are approximately 80 to 85 percent of people worldwide who practice a religion, faith, or belief. We, as believers, share many ecological values such as respect, responsibility, justice, and empathy that we follow in our daily lives, and these values are based on respect, responsibility, and a relationship with nature.

“In Islam, the role of humans is distinctly mentioned as the Khalifah, or steward, thereby appointing Muslims with the responsibility to care for all communities and natural resources that we share earth with. Looking at God’s creation, through the lens of trusteeship – Amanah, encourages responsible behavior.” Hinnawi says.

At the Summit, faith-based organization and leaders will convey the importance of sustainable personal behavior as a religious duty for prosperous communities.

“The Muslim world has the potential to lead positive change by first abiding to Islamic beliefs and values in all aspects of life, and second by reviving faith-based development modules such as Himah for environment protection and Waqf for circular economy. Muslims were successful to introduce financial Islamic modules as well as halal supply chains to the world, and therefore we can be successful to introduce ethical sustainable development approaches as well,” she says.

She also adds that at present, families live in isolation from nature due to the changes in lifestyles that are attached to technology and urban life, but there should be an effort to reconnect with nature for the health and wellbeing of individuals and nature.

“It is crucial to teach our children that caring for nature is a trust placed by God in our hands, and that nature and living creatures have the same rights as humans – thereby enhancing their awareness of unity with nature and harmony with it. It all starts with realizing that Islam commands human beings to respect all life forms and communities.”

Climate change also does not align with the values of justice that the Islamic religion and all faiths urge societies to achieve. According to Hinnawi, when we abuse the environment, we oppress poor societies who are less prepared to face climate change effect.

“Poor and undeveloped societies are the most vulnerable to climate change effect as they suffer the most from heat waves, air pollution, lack of access to clean water and food resources. So, if you want to achieve justice among human beings, you must adopt a sustainable behavior and sustainable development to mitigate the effect of climate change.”

All sessions are open to the public. Registration to these sessions can be done through http://www.earthna.qa/registration-public-sessions. The Summit will host the “Earthna Village” at Barahat Msheireb that is also open to the public which will showcase an exhibition of indigenous, sustainable practices that span cultural, environmental, and social sustainability. Additionally, the exhibition’s agora section will host practitioners to hold short, interactive discussions with the audience about their exhibits.

 

?  Read More  Sustainability & LEED  ?…consumerists – taking more than we can give back. And now is the time to reconnect with nature, adopting sustainable daily behaviors, honoring our cultural and religious values. This concept of linking sustainability with faith and ethics will be a focus of a session at the upcoming Earthna Summit, that will be held in Msheireb on 8-9… done through  http://www.earthna.qa/registration-public-sessions . The Summit will host the “Earthna Village” at Barahat Msheireb that is also open to the public which will showcase an exhibition of indigenous, sustainable practices that span cultural, environmental, and social sustainability. Additionally, the exhibition’s agora section will host practitioners to hold short, interactive discussions with the audience about their exhibits…. albawaba.com Total Engagement: 0