AGUA AZUL, Colombia — Against the backdrop of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, participants from around the world witnessed how spiritual principles can guide environmental conservation through a visit to a unique initiative: a native forest adjacent to the local Bahá’í House of Worship in the Norte del Cauca region.

“This initiative reflects the Bahá’í principle that humanity has a sacred responsibility to be a steward of the natural world,” said Ximena Osorio, a member of the Bahá’í Office of External Affairs of Colombia, in a conversation with the News Service.

“When we care for nature with love and wisdom,” she continued, “we not only protect biodiversity but also nurture our collective spiritual growth and development.”

The expression of the principle of humanity’s harmonious relationship with nature was evident during the day-long visit to the site, which included an interfaith devotional gathering with readings from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Zoroastrian traditions, as well as the Bahá’í writings.

The initiative emerged in response to pressing environmental challenges in the Norte del Cauca region, where the proliferation of sugarcane plantations across the land over many decades has impacted traditional farms, forced residents to lease land to sugar mills, and diminished the biodiversity of the native ecosystem.

When plans for the House of Worship were first announced in 2012, it catalyzed conversations among the local population about the revival of the natural habitat. Through a series of consultations, residents were inspired to envision how the temple grounds could reflect the region’s biodiversity, and the idea emerged to grow a native forest on the surrounding land.

“Rather than viewing the temple grounds in isolation,” said Mrs. Osorio, “participants in those consultations envisioned how the grounds could contribute to ecological restoration while providing opportunities for service and education.”

This vision took concrete form through what would become the native forest project. As its coordinator, Taraneh Rezvani, explained, “The project aims to provide a space for environmental education and promote reflection on the importance of preserving the environment and our connection to nature.”

Spanning 11.5 hectares, the initiative focuses on recovering tropical dry forest—one of the most threatened ecosystems globally, which in Colombia has shrunk to just 8% of its original size.

What distinguishes this initiative is how it expresses the essential relationship between worship and service that Bahá’í Houses of Worship embody. Open to all people, Houses of Worship offer a space where prayer and contemplation inspire service to society.

The surrounding native forest exemplifies this harmony of worship and service through opportunities for practical service to the environment and community.

Mrs. Osorio explains that the project is guided by the Bahá’í principle that science and religion are complementary systems of knowledge and practice. “The project draws on both traditional ecological wisdom and modern conservation science in its approach to restoration,” she explained.

From its inception, the project drew on both traditional practices and community participation. Through “mingas”—a traditional practice where people gather for collective service—residents planted over 1,500 trees. Local families and regional institutions donated 1,000 of these trees, representing more than 180 species of fruit and timber trees.

“The native forest provides a unique space where one can experience the deep spiritual significance of our relationship with nature,” noted one attendee. This perspective resonated with many conference participants from diverse faith traditions that had gathered at the site.

In the years since its inception, the project’s impact on local biodiversity has become increasingly evident.

“Fifty bird species have been identified within the native forest area,” shared Mrs. Rezvani. “Many of these species had long disappeared from the region.”

The project has also successfully recovered 15 native plant species, with 19 more in the process of recovery. These developments were highlighted during the recent visit by COP16 conference attendees.

“After so many days of intense participation in COP16 activities, coming here has been a source of joy and spiritual and mental revitalization, this is a haven of peace” said one participant.

Another noted that “religious communities can make a significant contribution to biodiversity conservation, starting with the very lands they own, transforming them into a refuge for native and diverse species.”

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to broaden its educational function to increase public appreciation for regional biodiversity, streamline its supply of seeds and seedlings to the local population, and contribute to mitigating climate change effects.