Faith and Conservation in Africa

Conservation leaders can collaborate with religious communities to enhance the capacity for value-based sustainability decisions that link nature and human well-being. This collaboration is essential for biodiversity conservation in Africa, as highlighted in the Dar Vision on the Future of Biodiversity in Africa. The intersections of faith and conservation are crucial in understanding the world view of communities. Ninety percent of the population in Africa identifies as Christian or Muslim, and nearly all hold traditional indigenous beliefs. Working with faith groups requires care and trust, as conservation projects cannot make faiths carry conservation messages. However, many conservation programs are using faith messages, and there are faith programs leading conservation efforts. Faith-based organizations have a significant presence in Africa, with eight percent of habitable land owned by them. They also run 50 percent of schools worldwide and are the third-largest investing group. Faiths think in generations and sustain, rather than campaign, for environmental causes. In Nigeria, faith leaders are undertaking large-scale tree planting, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation efforts, with a commitment to planting 50 million trees. USAID's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives facilitates partnerships between faith-based organizations and the US government. The office requires religious organizations to identify development objectives to work with the US government. Projects cannot require people to participate in prayer services, and religious activities must be separate in time and place. The objective cannot advance a faith, but projects can connect development objectives with faith teachings. Conservation efforts can benefit from collaboration with faith-based organizations. For example, the Jane Goodall Institute launched an environmental education program in Madrassas in Coastal Tanzania, linking environmental stewardship with teachings from the Holy Quran. The program built relationships with local religious leaders and institutions, trained teachers, and reached a large number of students. The keys to the program's success include initial engagement between the Islamic community and the Tanzanian government, openness to incorporate key Islamic stakeholders, and bi-annual stakeholder meetings to build trust and real partnership. Faith-based organizations can play a crucial role in promoting conservation efforts in Africa. By collaborating with conservation leaders and working with local faith leaders, conservation efforts can be more effective and sustainable. Long-term goals and partnerships are essential for successful conservation efforts, and faith-based organizations can provide a unique perspective and approach to conservation.