Buddhist philosophy and Wildlife Conservation

Yubaraj Kandel has been working in the field of environment and development for 2 decades. he has published more than 1500 articles on environment and development and has also presented papers in various seminars. he has a bachelor's degree in Education, Ecological Botany, and Law, and a master's degree in Management and Population Studies. he is currently a Ph.D. Scholar at LBU. 

Although small in terms of geography, Nepal is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna due to its geographical diversity. The flora and fauna found here from the hot summer of the Tarai to the cold of the mountains have made Nepal a country rich in biodiversity. According to the latest records of the Department of Wildlife, there are 6973 species of flowering species in Nepal, including 11,971 species of flora, 653 species of butterflies, 3958 species of moths,230 species of fish, 53 species of amphibians, 137 species of reptiles (including 79 species of snakes), 878 species of birds. The existence of 11861 species of animals including mammals has been identified. As more studies on biodiversity remain to be done, it is estimated that there may be more animals and plants in Nepal than above-dicsovered species.

Wildlife, which is a major part of biodiversity, has been an economic and cultural part of Nepali society. By uninterrupted operation of the ecosystem, the wildlife has not only provided environmental services but has also been making significant contributions to the preservation of tourism and cultural traditions. Although there is a tradition of hunting, killing, capturing, and rearing wild animals for hobby and some of the old places and caste-specific traditions, in the past such activities were found to take care of the natural balance. As society becomes more consumerist, harmony, coexistence, and sustainable use of wildlife seem to be neglected. Most of the wildlife's habitat and food have been lost due to deforestation. Due to the annual fires and poaching, wildlife is disappearing. The state has formulated many policies for the protection of wildlife and is also conducting wildlife conservation activities by spending millions of rupees every year. Despite the tireless efforts to increase the number of noted wildlife in Nepal, such as tigers and rhinos, other animals are always in danger. Conservation efforts so far have not been successful in practice as they do not match public life. In such a situation, the usefulness of Buddhist philosophy in wildlife conservation has increased.

Buddhist monks have been following these rules strictly. It is mentioned in Dhammapada that only if there are trees and plants, there will be movement of animals and it is appropriate to meditate only there. Many orchards are described in Buddhist literature, in which wild animals roam freely.

Wildlife habitat conservation

Deforestation for agriculture and settlement has not only shrunk the forest area but also fragmented the remaining forests, which has adversely affected the wildlife's food. Wildlife cannot be protected unless the forest area is protected. To keep the habitat of wild animals safe and stable, the conservation of plants and human activities in the forest should be reduced. The Buddha also said that digging a small hole in the forest would be a sin if the creature was prevented from walking. Similarly, in Vinayapitaka, it is mentioned that when people go out during the growth and development of animals, their diet will be affected, so they should go to the forest during the rainy season. Buddhist monks have been following these rules strictly. It is mentioned in Dhammapada that only if there are trees and plants, there will be movement of animals and it is appropriate to meditate only there. Many orchards are described in Buddhist literature, in which wild animals roam freely. Wildlife conservation can be done simply if the Buddhist philosophy is put into practice and included in the formal program for the protection of the habitat of the animals, the creation of forest parks in the forest, the forest area free from human intervention, and the provision of food for the animals in the forest.

Non-violence - the basis of wildlife conservation

Currently, wildlife hunting has become a big challenge in conservation. There is a growing tendency to hunt wild animals and sell prey for hobbies rather than running a traditional lifestyle. There is a growing trend of killing and injuring wild animals by trapping them, using poison, using electricity, setting them on fire, or beating them. Buddhist philosophy is useful in preventing such behavior towards wildlife. Buddhist philosophy inspires one to love the world and not to do violence to anyone. Abhay Daan is considered to be the major Buddhist tradition, which is described in detail in the Jataka Katha. The Dhammapada states that all beings should be freed from the fear of torture and death, that animals should not be moved from their habitats, that no one should kill or incite others to kill. People can be motivated to stop killing and violence against wildlife by incorporating the lessons of non-violence taught by Gautama Buddha while conducting wildlife conservation activities. Abhay Daan's lesson can reduce the conflict between wildlife and humans.

Buddhist philosophy is a philosophy of love and compassion and is committed to the ideal of non-violence. Since these philosophies can be fruitful in conserving wildlife and the environment, if they can be incorporated in conservation, coordination, cooperation and co-existence can be maintained in wildlife conservation.

Is it possible to apply Buddhist philosophy?

Chum Valley in the northern part of the Gorkha district is considered an open zoo. Although the Chum area is rich in wild animals such as deer, squirrel, musk deer, kaliz, scarecrow and monal fa (locally called mouse), langur monkeys, the people here do not kill or eat animals. Most of the locals, who are Buddhists, had committed to follow the non-violent tradition of the region under the leadership of Guru Dukpa Lama Serab Dorje in the year1977 BS. According to this, the people of Chum Valley have been following the six rules of non-violence.  Everyone who goes to this place must follow the rules here. Such practices have been successful in most Buddhist-majority areas. Most of the Buddhists in Nepal belong to the tribal group. Since the tribes are closest to the natural resources and they live close to the forest area, it is possible to achieve great achievements in the field of wildlife conservation if the wildlife conservation programs based on Buddhist philosophy can be conducted in this community.

Conservation cannot be effective without philosophy. Buddhist philosophy is a philosophy of love and compassion and is committed to the ideal of non-violence. Since these philosophies can be fruitful in conserving wildlife and the environment, if they can be incorporated in conservation, coordination, cooperation and co-existence can be maintained in wildlife conservation. Doing so will not only help in the conservation of wildlife but also in the sustainable conservation of all-natural resources.