Biodiversity and the Role of Religion Conference

The Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (IMAM) participated in the 5th International Conference on “Sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Eco-Justice” (SAPREJ-2023) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 22 to 25, 2023. Other co-organizing institutions were the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Consortium of Christian Relief & Development Associations in Ethiopia. The conference addressed the roles, responsibilities, and initiatives of religion, science, and civil societies in promoting ecological justice and protecting biodiversity.

The conference brought together diverse participants from various religious, scientific, and civil society backgrounds to discuss the crucial issue of ecological justice and biodiversity protection. Under the theme of “The Roles, Responsibilities, and Initiatives of Religion, Science, and Civil Societies in Ecological Justice and Biodiversity Protection,” the event explored innovative approaches and sustainable alternatives for poverty reduction.

The conference reaffirmed the collective responsibility to work towards ecological justice, poverty reduction, and preserving biodiversity for a sustainable and just future.

Dr. Seyed Masoud Seyed Noori, representing the Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (IMAM), emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the well-being of women, girls, and the elderly, as they are disproportionately affected by war, poverty, environmental crises, and the loss of biodiversity.

The conference also acknowledged the significance of the United Nations International Day for Biodiversity, celebrated on May 22. It emphasized the importance of global cooperation and collaboration to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

For more information, please visit the official website of the World Council of Churches (WCC) at:
https://www.oikoumene.org/news/wcc-co-organizes-hybrid-conference-on-biodiversity-and-the-role-of-churches