Biodiversity: A sacred gift and a call to stewardship

Two months ago, Biodiversity COP16 was held in Cali, Colombia, under the theme "Make Peace with Nature." The urgency of this message was evident. Humanity is waging war against creation, often knowingly or through ignorance. 

While the world may say the right things, it often fails to act rightly. Scientists categorize biodiversity based on morphology, genetics, geography, and functionality, viewing nature mainly as a resource for human wellbeing. In contrast, people of faith see biodiversity through one essential lens: as God’s creation. We see nature as part of the cosmic family of Christ, as affirmed in Colossians 1:16: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

The Word of God reaches humanity through two means: the diversity of human languages expressed in Scripture—translated into over 2,073 languages—and the language of creation, which speaks through the yet undiscovered millions of species that scientists strive to study. Biodiversity is a testament to God’s wisdom and creativity. It is a sacred "natural Bible," a gift to teach us about our Creator and the rights of creation to thrive in harmony.

Theological foundations of biodiversity

Genesis 1:31 declares that God saw all He had made and proclaimed it "very good." This "all" encompasses the variety of life and the systems that sustain it—what we now call biodiversity. God’s passion for biodiversity is woven throughout Scripture, manifesting His love and purpose for life. Job 12:7-12 invites us to learn from creation: “Ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will teach you.”

Proverbs also uses biodiversity as a metaphor for wisdom, pointing to the ant as an example of preparation and diligence. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6). The loss of biodiversity equates to the loss of wisdom, threatening humanity’s future. The interconnectedness of all creation underscores that the fullness of life depends on the complementarity of God’s design.

A call to repentance and action

Humanity has the time and opportunity to change—to repent and correct its course. We must act decisively to halt biodiversity loss and reduce carbon emissions to prevent irreversible climate change. The lessons from biodiversity teach us that everything is interconnected, and care for creation is inseparable from care for humanity.

During COP16, people of faith declared themselves defenders of hope, rooted in God and expressed through creation. Matthew 6:26 reminds us of God’s provision for all living beings: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Both biodiversity and humanity are precious to God, and our stewardship reflects our gratitude for His care.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) engages in the triple COP agenda—biodiversity (COP16), climate (COP29), and desertification (UNCCD-COP16)—grounded in theological foundations and a prophetic call for metanoia (repentance). This engagement challenges structural greed, prioritizing “living well” at the expense of “well living,” a concept eloquently expressed by Jocabed Solano, an Indigenous leader at COP16.

For over a decade, the WCC has collaborated with churches worldwide, developing biblical studies and practical initiatives to address the systemic roots of ecological harm. Authentic “well living” seeks harmony with creation, fostering ecological spirituality that reflects God’s vision for peace and justice.