Cultural and Spiritual Values of Biodiversity

This ambitious work compiles the results of two international workshops, held in UK, 1996 and The Netherlands, 1997. Uses different approaches (philosophical, historical, legal, scientific and personal) to reveal the great diversity of cultural, spiritual and social values inherent in biological diversity throughout the world. It highlights the importance of the cultural and spiritual values of many different life forms. It provides examples of a wide range of local communities that have managed to conserve biodiversity under different conditions and environments and examines a number of the world’s religions that are currently redefining their role regarding the annihilation of plant and animal species and the destruction of key habitats. Of special note are a chapter dedicated to sacred mountains and one containing references to the ethical, moral and religious aspects of biodiversity. Also the Appendices on declarations of indigenous’ peoples organisations, and faith statements on religion and ecology.