Indonesia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world but its natural areas and wildlife are under extreme threat. PPI-UNAS has been working for years with Indonesia’s leading clerics and conservationists to strengthen understanding of Islamic teachings related to the environment and to promote this understanding in Muslim society. In this project we explore the role of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) as an innovative Muslim institution in which young Muslims can explore Islamic thought and teachings related to nature, learn environmental science, and take part in practical activities that marry science and Islam, such as organic farming and tree planting on pesantren grounds. Our guiding question in this project is therefore, ‘How can the integration of environmental science and Islamic teachings in pesantren education help strengthen the connection of young Muslims to the natural world?’
This project includes the following outputs: 1) Development of an Ekopesantren website as the platform to build knowledge and capacity on Islam and the environment, share experiences and lessons learned, build community and recognise efforts; 2) The publication and dissemination of an Ekopesantren Guide for teachers, including educational resources that integrate religious and scientific knowledge; 3) Capacity building on the Guide for 100 teachers in 50 pesantren, with a student body of up to 50,000, through online trainings; 4) Launch of an online tracking system and guidance on monitoring Ekopesantren activities and an Ekopesantren Award in Year 3; and 5) Sharing in Indonesia and with the wider Muslim world of best practice models for teaching Islam and environmental science and for becoming an Ekopesantren, including a MOOC.
