Combining science and theology at the IUCN Congress

The World Conservation Congress is held every four years to help shape the direction of conservation and sustainable development. As the only Christian conservation member organization, A Rocha has a unique contribution to make and so some of our senior team members (Peter and Miranda Harris, Chris Naylor, Sarah French and Bob Sluka) will be there, running a booth from 1-6 September. They’ll be joined by Seth Appiah-Kubi and Daryl Bosu of A Rocha Ghana, who has worked with over 40 forest-fringe communities and will share lessons he has learned in two presentations.

Bob, who leads ARI’s Marine Science team, will present a case study from work on the Kenyan coast where our research on habitats, biodiversity and human interactions revealed previously unknown, endemic and IUCN Red-Listed species in intertidal habitats. Science and theology have driven conservation efforts to monitor an endemic coral and begin developing resources and training for the ‘beach boys’ who act as unofficial rockpool tour guides. Using our field study centre’s proximity to the shore, local schools and churches have been exposed, often for the first time, to the wonders of this habitat.

We’ll also lead a discussion group for participants who want to move beyond simple engagement with faith communities to an exploration of possibilities for joint conservation activities. Bob says, ‘The conservation community is increasingly aware of the role that faith can play in motivating conservation action. We want to help them do it better.’

Read more about A Rocha at the IUCN Congress

Small image: Ghost Crab (Ocypode) by David Jenner