10.5 Social Sustainability
281
trying to resolve environmental issues, such as global warming, overconsumption,
or the eradication of species.
Spiritual ecology understands that the present environmental crisis comes from
a reflection of the inner spiritual crisis most societies are living in. Now more than
ever before one shall look at the interconnection between life and death, and while
both are a necessity in the environment, death should be natural and not created
by an unbalanced society (Sponsel 2001, 2007, 2010). Firstly, there should be a
collective pursuit of wellness, happiness, and respect. Not many people are looking
for what is sacred within all life and without devastating effects on others or on
the environment. This planet was only lent to humanity, the biggest community
there has ever been, and little by little new destruction is occurring worldwide.
Secondly, one must understand the laws of action and reaction. Every single action
performed has a reaction, whether one sees it or not. Sustainability is necessary in
order to achieve a spiritual awareness and when achieving this, a longer cycle of
sustainability is created as the interdependence of ecosystems becomes apparent.
When individuals feel at peace and secure in their own beliefs, culture, identity,
and spirituality, they are less likely to feel threatened or uneased by differences.
Where there is a place of trust, love, and understanding, there is less room for racism
or other forms of prejudice. This is why spirituality is relevant within sustainability
as it removes those elements that are not beneficial within the community. If one
works towards the benefit of oneself, the benefit of the community will come along
as well.
Spiritual ecology provides a specific opportunity for a balance between the
extremes of mentalism and materialism. There is a need for hard evidence to
determine the effectiveness of spiritual ecology. Various religions contribute to an
array of relationships between nature and humans with diverse effects on biodiversity, ecological processes as well as ecosystems. Spiritual ecology entails spiritual
and sociopolitical movements that hold substantial promise to help minimize or
resolve eco-crises globally. Many years of diverse secular approaches for resolving
environmental issues have largely been insufficient. As such, we could argue
that spiritual ecology could be the last possibility for turning things around and
addressing environmental and social sustainability. Spiritual value is among the
various forms of biodiversity values that drive people to become conservationists.
Many biologists believe that if the importance of biodiversity is felt in the soul,
pocket, and brain, there might be permanent conservation.
What is the major role on spiritual ecology in enhancing conservation and
social sustainability? In what ways can Africa embrace spirituality as a way
for social sustainability?
The environmental conservation movement has been led and influenced by
people who have significant experiences of the sacredness of nature and have
281
trying to resolve environmental issues, such as global warming, overconsumption,
or the eradication of species.
Spiritual ecology understands that the present environmental crisis comes from
a reflection of the inner spiritual crisis most societies are living in. Now more than
ever before one shall look at the interconnection between life and death, and while
both are a necessity in the environment, death should be natural and not created
by an unbalanced society (Sponsel 2001, 2007, 2010). Firstly, there should be a
collective pursuit of wellness, happiness, and respect. Not many people are looking
for what is sacred within all life and without devastating effects on others or on
the environment. This planet was only lent to humanity, the biggest community
there has ever been, and little by little new destruction is occurring worldwide.
Secondly, one must understand the laws of action and reaction. Every single action
performed has a reaction, whether one sees it or not. Sustainability is necessary in
order to achieve a spiritual awareness and when achieving this, a longer cycle of
sustainability is created as the interdependence of ecosystems becomes apparent.
When individuals feel at peace and secure in their own beliefs, culture, identity,
and spirituality, they are less likely to feel threatened or uneased by differences.
Where there is a place of trust, love, and understanding, there is less room for racism
or other forms of prejudice. This is why spirituality is relevant within sustainability
as it removes those elements that are not beneficial within the community. If one
works towards the benefit of oneself, the benefit of the community will come along
as well.
Spiritual ecology provides a specific opportunity for a balance between the
extremes of mentalism and materialism. There is a need for hard evidence to
determine the effectiveness of spiritual ecology. Various religions contribute to an
array of relationships between nature and humans with diverse effects on biodiversity, ecological processes as well as ecosystems. Spiritual ecology entails spiritual
and sociopolitical movements that hold substantial promise to help minimize or
resolve eco-crises globally. Many years of diverse secular approaches for resolving
environmental issues have largely been insufficient. As such, we could argue
that spiritual ecology could be the last possibility for turning things around and
addressing environmental and social sustainability. Spiritual value is among the
various forms of biodiversity values that drive people to become conservationists.
Many biologists believe that if the importance of biodiversity is felt in the soul,
pocket, and brain, there might be permanent conservation.
What is the major role on spiritual ecology in enhancing conservation and
social sustainability? In what ways can Africa embrace spirituality as a way
for social sustainability?
The environmental conservation movement has been led and influenced by
people who have significant experiences of the sacredness of nature and have