Incorporating Islamic environmental ethics in the management of nature reserve areas

Abstract

This study fundamentally discusses on incorporating Islamic environmental ethics in the management of nature reserve areas. At the moment, there is no study and written enactment yet in incorporating Islamic environmental ethics in the management system of nature reserve areas. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the Islamic environmental ethics to be incorporated in the management of the nature reserve areas as an added value to the current management system. In order to achieve the stated aim, four objectives were underlined as followed i) to identify the management of nature reserve areas in Malaysia ii) to assess the Islamic environmental ethics and principles of nature conservation iii) to compare Islamic environmental ethics with current management system in order to improve current situation and iv) to suggest ways to harmonize and enhance current management system. This study employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, namely questionnaire surveys and semi structured interviews. The analyses were carried out using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) and interview analysis. The site study area of Kuala Sepetang Mangrove Park was selected based on certain criterions which were further discussed in the study. The findings show a virtuous practice of certain elements of Islamic environmental ethics in the site study area by either the management or the local inhabitants whereby it is reflected through several awards they attained. Due to these reasons, incorporating Islamic environmental ethics is seen as the best alternative to harmonize and enhance the management system, human and environmental needs. Thus, the findings demonstrate three aspects on the perceptions which are i) management and policy ii) locals’ usage and iii) ethics and civic awareness. This study has contributed to increase our knowledge on the level of understanding, responsibility and appreciating the Islamic environmental ethics in managing the nature reserve areas. The notion of incorporating the Islamic principles is perceived as an important initiative to harmonize and enhance current management system.