Stewardship is innate in many religions. Stewardship of the land, water, species, and relationships, all eventually connect to one common goal of caring for creation, which is pivotal. Environmental stewardship specifically is important for many reasons, including sustainability, conservation, mitigation, and even public health. In today’s world, where natural resources are being taxed and ecosystems face unprecedented challenges, this responsibility has never been more urgent. But how does one navigate stewardship in times of uncertainty? Both stewardship and resiliency are extremely important in these unpredictable times.

"Local environmental stewardship is the actions taken by individuals, groups, or networks of actors, with various motivations and levels of capacity, to protect, care for, or responsibly use the environment in pursuit of environmental and/or social outcomes in diverse social-ecological contexts. In this definition, stewardship actions hinge on three central elements—actors, motivations, and capacity—that are influenced by the social–ecological context and that converge to produce both environmental and social outcomes." — Bennett, et al., 2018

In essence, local environmental stewardship is a collective effort that spans all levels of society. It is not solely the responsibility of governments or large organizations but is also a task that can be pursued by individuals and communities who are motivated by a variety of reasons—whether ethical, practical, or faith-based. It’s about taking meaningful actions to preserve the environment for future generations and fostering a sense of collective ownership over the land we care for.

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4

A powerful Hindu prayer for resilience and healing is the "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra," which translates to "The Great Death-Conquering Mantra": "Om Tryambakam Yajamahe, Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan, Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat" - invoking the healing power of Lord Shiva to overcome challenges and promote wellbeing.  

Proverbs 24:16: is a proverb about resilience that says, "I ask not for a lighter burden, but broader shoulders".

Muslims are encouraged to support one another during times of difficulty and to seek help from others when needed. The Quran states, "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah (Peace be upon him) all together and do not become divided..."

Resiliency is a vital companion to stewardship. Resilience is having the capacity to persist in the face of change, to continue to develop with ever-changing environments. Resilience thinking in relation to the environment has emerged as a lens of inquiry that serves as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. Resilience is not only about bouncing back from challenges; it is about growing stronger through adversity and adapting to new circumstances. It is about finding ways to navigate shifting landscapes, whether they are social, economic, or ecological. Resilience thinking emphasizes the dynamic and interconnected nature of social-ecological systems—where human society and the environment are inextricably linked. This perspective broadens our understanding of sustainability, emphasizing that the strength of our ecosystems directly impacts our communities and vice versa (Folke, 2016).

As we work to build a more sustainable future, it's crucial to remember that resilience is not simply about survival but also about transformation. It's about cultivating the capacity to sustain development in the face of both expected and unexpected changes. A resilient community is one that can adapt to these changes, creating new opportunities and innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and society.

Supporting faith-based organization restoration and sustainability projects is one of the avenues of stewardship to our environment. By engaging with initiatives that focus on healing and preserving the Earth, we actively participate in God's call to be stewards of His creation. These efforts offer opportunities to not only restore landscapes but to restore hearts, build relationships, and strengthen community bonds. Your stewardship will leave a lasting legacy—a legacy of trees, an appreciation for green spaces, and the successes of strong, engaged communities who have come together to protect the Earth for generations to come.

In these times of uncertainty, we can find hope in the intersection of faith, resilience, and stewardship. By leaning on our faith and doing good, we can embody the principles of environmental care while securing a future that is sustainable, just, and harmonious with the natural world.