This paper explores the concept of conservation in the intersection of Christian environmental ethics and modern ecological movements, examining how these frameworks navigate the challenges of environmental transformation. By analyzing contemporary efforts such as Deep Ecology, Sustainable Development, Conservation Biology, and the One Health approach alongside Christian theological principles, the study highlights shared and divergent understandings of what must be preserved in the natural world.
Drawing on the etymology of conservo as a communal act of "watching over," this paper frames Christian stewardship as a form of conservation that extends beyond safeguarding ecosystems to preserving moral and spiritual principles, such as the sanctity of creation and humanity's interconnectedness with nature. The comparison reveals how Christian ethics and modern ecological paradigms address the tension between preserving the past—through traditional beliefs and practices—and protecting the future in an era of climate crisis and global ecological instability.
This paper will also explore the possibility of cooperation between Christian environmental ethics and modern ecological movements, highlighting how these perspectives can work together to foster humanity's shared responsibility in protecting and conserving the environment.
Through this lens, the paper explores the intricate relationships between conserving the natural environment and safeguarding principles like interdependence, justice, and sustainability, contributing to the panel's broader inquiry into the meanings of conservation in religion and ethics.