Interfaith Perspectives on Land Use
Preserving Our Forest Heritage: A Declaration on Forest Conservation for the 21st Century
cont.

1-5. Forests are places of inspiration and beauty.

Creation reflects the handiwork of the Creator. Just as Beauty is an aspect of the Lord who infuses Creation with magnificence and wonder, so every tree embodies the glory of God and every forest manifests the wisdom of its Maker. We should therefore intuit in forests the Great Architect of life and respect that Superior Wisdom which manifests in its incredible diversity, intricacy, beauty and fruitfulness.

Sing, O you heavens, for the LORD has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! (Isaiah 44:2)

1-6. Forests provide for a healthy world.

Intact forests give oxygen and clean air to our planet. They regulate stream flows and provide clean drinking water. They metabolize carbon dioxide and buffer society and the planet against global warming. They cool the air in summer and stabilize local climates throughout the year. They absorb rainfall and moderate floods. They create soils, maintain stable hillsides, and prevent erosion and landslides.

They contain medicines, some discovered and many yet-to-be-discovered. Intact forests provide habitat for more than half of the world's animal and plant species. They offer hunting and fishing, camping, hiking and a variety of recreational opportunities for people who enjoy the outdoors. All of these non-monetary biological, ecological and spiritual values soar manyfold above the value of forests as timber or pulpwood.

O Lord, how many are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the whole earth is full of your riches.... (Psalm 104:24)

Read the complete statement.