IMAP Webinar Urges Moral Mindset in Caring for Earth
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
IMAP, North America – To highlight World Environment Day, celebrated annually in June, the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) organized a webinar on June 23, 2026, with the support of the Hyo Jeong International Foundation for Environmental Peace (HJIFEP). The speakers explored the relationship between environmental stewardship, spirituality, ethics and sustainable development. Moderated by the IMAP-Canada coordinator, Mr. Pierre Beauregard, the discussion centered on the idea that humanity’s environmental crisis cannot be solved through science and technology alone, but requires a transformation in values and consciousness.
Mr. Christoph Wilkening of HJIFEP asserted that environmental degradation stems from a broken relationship between God, humanity and nature. His organization promotes environmental peace through education, restoration projects, scientific research, and its online publication, “The Earth & I.” He emphasized the need for a worldview that recognizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and encourages people to reconnect emotionally and spiritually with nature.
Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, founder of the United Nations Environment Program’s Faith for Earth Coalition as well as founder and chair of Al-Mizan Covenant for the Earth and People, argued that the environmental crisis is fundamentally a crisis of values rather than a lack of scientific knowledge. While science can explain environmental problems, faith and ethics inspire the moral responsibility needed to address them. He called for a shift from a materialist worldview that treats nature as a resource to a post-materialist worldview based on stewardship, compassion, responsibility and respect for all life.
Ms. Merly Christina Barlaan of the Women’s Federation for World Peace International presented community-based environmental initiatives rooted in permaculture. Her projects empower women and youth through sustainable agriculture, character education, food security programs and environmental leadership. She stressed that restoring nature also requires restoring human character, values and community relationships. She shared about the launch in July of the NJ Peace Garden & Farmacy.
Mr. Greg Jones, founder of Native Species Revival, focused on biodiversity conservation through the planting of native species and removal of invasive plants. Drawing on the work of ecologist Dr. Douglas Tallamy, he highlighted the critical role of insects, native plants and healthy ecosystems in sustaining life. He encouraged individuals to transform their own yards and communities into habitats that support biodiversity.
Throughout the webinar, speakers agreed that environmental healing requires a partnership between science, ethics, faith, education and grassroots action. The overarching message was that caring for the Earth is not only an environmental duty but also a moral and spiritual responsibility, essential for the future of humanity and the planet.
Click here to watch a recording of the webinar.
