Protecting Our Living Planet: A Buddhist Perspective
As we witness the rapid decline of biodiversity around the world, many of us feel a deep sense of despair and helplessness. How can we halt this devastating loss of life and restore the delicate balance of nature?
From a Buddhist perspective, the answer lies in reconnecting with the natural world through compassion and understanding our interconnectedness with all beings. We have become disconnected from nature, treating the planet as a resource to be exploited rather than a living system to be cherished.
This extractive relationship is a symptom of the inner turmoil rooted in our hearts and societies – the "three poisons" of greed, anger, and ignorance that create suffering. When we act from greed, plundering the Earth's resources, we harm countless species. When we turn a blind eye to their plight, we perpetuate a cycle of disconnection and disregard.
Buddhism teaches that our actions, driven by intention, have consequences – a principle known as karma. If we plant seeds of destruction, we will reap an impoverished, depleted world. But if we cultivate compassion, see all life as precious, and live in harmony with nature, we can reverse this trajectory.
Safeguarding biodiversity requires an inner transformation, shifting from exploitation to regeneration. We must rethink what and who we truly value, extending compassion to all living beings. By recognizing our interdependence, we can heal the divide between ourselves and the natural world.
As Buddhist practitioners, we understand the importance of addressing root causes, not just reacting to surface-level issues. This work begins with deep listening, open hearts, and inclusive dialogue to build consensus across diverse worldviews.
Recognizing that unsustainable consumption and production cycles, particularly within our food systems, are a major driver of biodiversity loss, from deforestation to overconsumption, the full implementation of target 16 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) requires both culture and systems change. Tzu Chi models these changes, working in partnership with schools, hospitals, farmers and communities to create enabling environments for individuals to make sustainable consumption choices by designing systems that provide local healthy and nutritious plant based foods, while educating and empowering individuals to cherish the food they have and reduce food waste, through a framework of gratitude, respect, and love.
In order to achieve behavioral change and promote sustainable lifestyles and biodiversity values, the KMGBF also recognizes the key importance of awareness raising and educational activities by all actors (KMGBF Section K). Focusing on the power of each person to initiate positive change, Soka Gakkai International has created various awareness-raising tools that share inspiring stories, emphasizing the interconnectedness of each individual to each other and its environment. The Soka Amazon Institute located in Manaus, Brazil, has also been engaging in reforestation of native species, biodiversity conservation and education.
Within each of us lies a profound capacity for positive change – a "Buddha nature" that can guide us toward an empowered, sustainable future. But first, we must uncover this inner strength through mindful reflection, recognizing the Buddha nature in all people and life forms. We can coexist with the natural world, achieve the full implementation of the GBF, and ensure a biodiverse resilient future for all and it first begins with inner transformation.
Written by Dr. Alexandra Goossens-Ishii and Steve Chiu
Steve and Alex have been Buddhist friends for over 4 years now, working across the UN space, advocating around issues related to biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability. Representing Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and Soka Gakkai International respectively, they emphasize the importance of upholding values of interdependence, compassion, and joy in pursuit of leaving behind a better future for all.
