As researchers and practitioners increasingly realize the importance of engaging religious leaders and communities in projects to conserve biological diversity, the Society for Conservation Biology established the Religion and Conservation Biology Working Group (RCBWG) to identify ways to facilitate their interaction. It looks at how such collaboration can be positive. Scientists contribute to this interaction by drawing conclusions from data collected, while religious communities provide the motivation and ethical incentives for implementing scientific conclusions. Working together provides a more comprehensive approach to a problem that a scientific or a religious community cannot achieve when acting alone.
Media and others seeking additional information may contact Stephen Awoyemi, president of the Society for Conservation Africa Section and SCB’s Religion and Conservation Biology Working Group. Kit Magellan at the University of Hong Kong is available for media outlets in Asia. Check the Society for Conservation Biology for their contact info and more on the project.
