1. Formal education can be used as an avenue to natural environmental conservation by inculcating religious knowledge on environment conservation into all subjects taught in schools. This was supported by the World Conference on Science (Budapest, 1999) which recommended that scientific and religious be integrated in interdisciplinary projects dealing with links between culture, environment and development in areas such as the conservation of biological diversity, management of natural resources, understanding of natural hazards and mitigation of their impact. It is an under-utilized knowledge reservoir, which can be used by developing countries as a powerful asset to environment resource conservation. The following is an example how environment conservation knowledge can be disseminated through formal education
2. Christians should act as good examples to the rest on environment conservation. We should acknowledge that the Bible makes it our responsibility to care for the environment, a responsibility we have neglected. We should also acknowledge that God speaks to us, not just through his word, but also through his creation (Psa 19:1-4, Rom 1:20, Mat 6:28-29). This can be done by organizing tree planting days, protecting available environmental resources and practicing good environment consumerism patterns.
3. We should accept our duty of stewardship over the environment (Gen 1:26-28). As green groups have been telling us for decades, this involves acting locally and thinking globally. Thinking globally by acknowledging the role of government in those areas that are properly its concern in environment conservation. We should “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Mat 22:15-22), and cooperate with government in seeking the common good (Rom 13:1-7). These scriptures refer specifically to the right of governments to levy taxes, and their duty to preserve law and order. I would argue that protecting the environment is also very much the business of government, both at the national level and in appropriate international agreements. There is nothing we have more in common than the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the climate we and all God’s creatures live in. We should care about the kind of world our children will inherit (Pro 13:22a, Ezr 9:12b) because these things cross the boundaries between nations, our response must be local, national, and also global.
4. As individual believers, and as churches, we need to repent of our environmental carelessness, and of our sometimes willful ignorance. Although we may have to live with some of the consequences of our past environmental failings, if we humbly acknowledge these to God, the healing of the land will begin (2 Chr 7:14).
5. Christians who have the opportunity can serve God through involvement in the political process (Gen 41:41-57, Nem 1:11-2:2, Dan 5:29-6:3). We can make a difference! Christians should participate in drafting a constitution which addresses environment conservation at large. They should assist the government by reporting those who break rules on environment conservation to the relevant authorities.
6. Bible verses which are portended to encourage poor environment consumerism patterns should be reinterpreted to promote environment conservation. Christians should educate the young children on the need to environment conservation. The Organization should visit schools educating young children and the youth on the importance of the forest. This is the right step because, today most children go to school at an earlier age than in the past, school curricula should include the environment in the syllabi at all levels. The program is working in the aim of strengthening the relationship between the local people and the Forest. This will require the whole-hearted support and commitment of African governments. To pass this knowledge Strategies of Strengthening Teaching of Mathematics and Science in Schools (SMASSE) should be utilized. SMASSE and KEEP officials should incorporate to develop best teaching tactics.
7. Steward departments should be introduced in every church which should organize and pass on information on environment conservation both formally and informally. Formally through organized education and informally through informal methods such as songs.
8. Higher education is a prerequisite for development. Building and sustaining natural environmental resources in Kakamega Forest, is linked to building a network of interest among mutually dependent institutions (Meyer, 1992). Universities are best apt to help maintain focus on environmental issues among not only scientists and academics but the local communities surrounding them. The university has resources, prestige, organizational capability, access to officials and experts that can help in the dissemination of religious environmental knowledge. A strong link should be established between Kenya Forestry College, ICRAF, ICIPE and all Kenyan Universities in doing research as a way of seeking for an eternal solution to environmental conservation. Universities are considered appropriate as they have interested and energetic students to academics, research centers, rich technical expertise to help supply Religious knowledge of environment conservation.
9. More researches should be done on natural environment conservation by all departments not only the department of environmental studies. As a search towards informing the university students from all parts of the country a common course should be developed with an aim of informing all higher education students on the role of cultures in environmental conservation.
10. Research projects should be formed investigating on the importance of involving Christians in forest management. They should draw a framework on involving Christians in the management of the forest. Their roles should be clearly stipulated to prevent regular clashing of churches and the goverment in forest management (Tsingalia 1990; Forrestel 1999)
11. Essay competitions concentrating on the role of culture and environment should be emphasized. Articles on traditional values and ecology should be encouraged. These articles should be availed at District Forest Officers’ offices and District Libraries.
12. Environment is an interdisciplinary topic, it should be judged as a good focus for bringing faculties from different fields together and work on common research projects. Exchange programmes should be made between Kenyan universities and other African universities to come up with an integrated model towards environment conservation through the involvement of culture. More campaigns should be made to change the university student’s attitude towards religion and environment conservation for the better since they are the portended future leaders who shall lead the same campaigns.
Wilfykil answered the question on March 13, 2019 at 13:35