Valuation of forests and natural habitats in ecotheology and human ecology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59531/ots.2026.4.1.15-37Keywords:
human ecology, ecotheology, environmental protection, environmental pollution, religionAbstract
This paper reviews the valuation of forests and natural habitats through the interdisciplinary lenses of ecotheology and human ecology, underlining their ecological, ethical, and spiritual significance. Forest ecosystems play an essential role in sustaining biodiversity, stabilizing the climate, and supporting human welfare, while also representing sacred elements of creation in various religious traditions. Ecotheology interprets nature as a manifestation of God's presence, which inspires individuals to care for the environment and uphold moral responsibilities. Concurrently, human ecology highlights the multiple linkage between human societies and natural systems, weighting the need for integrated and sustainable management practices. The research explores how contemporary environmental crises—such as climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss—pose both ecological and spiritual challenges, requiring responses that extend beyond simple technical solutions. The paper supports a comprehensive approach to environmental politics that merges ecological science with ethical and cultural values, impress insights from diverse religious traditions and ecological frameworks. It also indicates the significance of environmental justice by illustrating how environmental degradation immensely impacts already marginalized communities. Basically, the paper affirms that acknowledging the intrinsic and sacred value of natural ecosystems can foster more sustainable, equitable, and responsible relationships between humanity and the environment in the face of global ecological challenges.
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