I.M.A.M. Representative Participates in WCC Webinar on Biodiversity Justice

On May 22, 2026, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held an international interfaith webinar titled “From Faith to Action: Interreligious Call for Biodiversity Justice” in observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity.

Dr. Seyed Masoud Noori participated in the webinar as the representative of the I.M.A.M. Organization. In his remarks, he emphasized that the Holy Qur’an does not view nature merely as a collection of material resources, but rather as a living and meaningful creation connected to God.

Drawing upon the Qur’an’s verse, “There is not a thing except that it glorifies Him with praise” (7:44), he noted that worship and glorification imply a form of awareness, and awareness itself implies a form of life, even if human beings are unable to fully comprehend its reality.

He then highlighted Quranic verses describing the diversity of plants, animals, mountains, fruits, and human communities as divine signs (ayat) of wisdom and mercy, including Fatir 35:27–28 and Al-Nahl 16:13. In this context, he emphasized that our shared divine duty, as well as our responsibility toward future generations, is to protect biodiversity as a sign and trust from God, and to use it responsibly, without wastefulness, excess, or greed.

In addition, by invoking the verse, “And He creates that which you do not know” (Al-Nahl 16:8), Dr. Noori observed that modern science itself continued to reveal how little humanity still knows about life on Earth and in the oceans. He mentioned recent scientific findings and marine biodiversity studies indicating that although more than one thousand new marine species were identified in the past year alone, scientists estimate that nearly 90 percent of ocean species may still remain undiscovered.

Dr. Noori also briefly addressed the destructive impact of wars and the use of weapons on ecosystems and biodiversity. He called on religious leaders and faith-based organizations to support environmental advocates working toward the recognition of ecocide as a crime under international law.

He explained that ecocide refers to unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts. This legal definition, developed by an independent expert panel, seeks to hold individuals criminally accountable under international law for the severe and lasting destruction of ecosystems that threaten human, animal, and planetary life.