IGBO RELIGIOUS CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA: AN APPRASAL

Abstract

Environmental conservation has been an everyday discussion in the present day scholarship. This is because urbanization, modernization, globalization and development have affected the environment, so much so that little or no regard is presently given to it. This neglect so witnessed has also affected human beings that are occupant of the environment. Using secondary source of data collection, this research sheds light on how The Igbo belief system, practice and worldview contribute in preserving the environment, especially in the south eastern part of Nigeria, comprising Enugu state, Imo state, Anambra state, and Abia state. Through a qualitative analysis and case study, the research explores the ethical principles in The Igbo religious culture that foster a holistic understanding of nature and promote sustainable resource management. This research uses ethnographic approach and employs the theories of environmental ethics and cultural ecology. It concludes that has some elements that contribute in conserving the environment and the modern environmental approach should access these elements in ensuring their application in order to achieve eco-friendly environment. The research therefore recommends that caution should be taken in the use of the environment in order to help in its preservation.