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Religious following in Biodiversity Hotspots: challenges and opportunities for conservation and development

Bhagwat, Shonil A., Dudley, Nigel, Harrop, Stuart R. (2011) Religious following in Biodiversity Hotspots: challenges and opportunities for conservation and development. Conservation Letters, 4 (3). pp. 234-240. ISSN 1755-263X. (doi:10.1111/j.1755-263X.2011.00169.x) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:27909)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-263X.2011.00169.x

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation both have moral agendas. World religions have historically advocated ethical and moral codes of conduct which can be supportive of these objectives. But can religions play a direct role in conservation and development? We examine the potential of religions in facilitating biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. A quantitative analysis of countries represented within Conservation International’s list of Biodiversity Hotspots suggests a high level of plurality of religious following, but also a significant need for economic development and environmental conservation. Although attitudes of religions toward conservation and development vary widely, and some fundamentalist elements within religions can contradict moral agendas of conservation and development, we suggest that partnerships between conservation and development organizations and mainstream, as well as minor, faith groups might provide a positive force. Such partnerships can render greater public legitimacy and provide capability to mobilize mass support for biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1111/j.1755-263X.2011.00169.x
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
Q Science
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Stuart Harrop
Date Deposited: 10 Jun 2011 12:50 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:06 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/27909 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Harrop, Stuart R..

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