Religious Communities as Actors for Ecological Sustainability in Southern Africa and Beyond

Climate change and environmental degradation are threatening livelihoods in many parts of the world. One of the regions most affected is Southern Africa. To develop pathways into a sustainable future, fundamental socioecological transformations are needed. By fundamentally shaping world views, religion can be an important source of sustainable development. Against this background, this report elucidates the role of religious communities for ecological sustainability in Southern Africa, with respect to their theologies, lived religions and activities. It summarizes, discusses and contextualizes the results of two transdisciplinary consultations that involved academics, development practitioners, environmental activists and religious leaders. The report provides resources for religious communities and faith-based organizations (FBOs). It engages in ecotheological debates and highlights best practice examples of Southern African religious communities' environmental initiatives. Overall, the report and the various examples presented substantiate the hypothesis that religious communities in Southern Africa possess great potential for ecological sustainability and increasingly use this potential to promote ecological sustainability at various levels. Finally, the report highlights policy recommendations for governmental and intergovernmental actors, religious communities and FBOs for further engagement with ecological sustainability in Southern Africa.Not Reviewe