Faith-Based Organizations, Environmental Conservation and Sustainability: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review is to know the contributions of Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) towards environmental conservation. The study has specifically focused on the organization’s theological framing, practical conservation approaches, and the complexities surrounding FBOs. In total, 30 peer-reviewed publications from the years 2010 to 2024 have been synthesised for this review. This study looks into how faith teachings affect the involvement of the FBOs in environmental conservation, their effectiveness, and the restrictions or challenges encountered in their efforts and intervention. The major aspects analyzed include first, the amalgamation of faith teachings with the promotion of environmental care and identification of ecology-related issues; secondly, the practical engagement of FBO in grassroots action, sustainable development, and policy advocacy; and thirdly, the different obstacles faced by the FBOs, i.e., lack of resources, political interference, and relations among varying faiths. The results show that faith-based organisations mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainability from the bottom up, but these organisations often lack funding and political support. The study also found that the success of FBOs in accomplishing long-term environmental objectives is primarily associated with the collaboration and resource sharing with other parties. This review underscores the connections between faith-based organisations, environment, ecology, and social justice. It also shows that faith-based organisations can be effectively utilised in promoting environmental sustainability on a national and sub-national as well as global scale.