Strategic Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Strategic Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

An Analysis of the Concepts and Themes of Environmental Spirituality

Document Type : Review article

Author
shahrekord university
10.22047/srjasnr.2026.550312.1144
Abstract
Environmental spirituality, as an interdisciplinary approach, can play a significant role in redefining the human-nature relationships and promoting bioethics. This study, aiming to explain the dimensions of the environmental spirituality approach through micro- and macro- themes, utilized the inductive qualitative content analysis method. By reviewing international literature, 106 sub-themes were extracted and categorized into five main thematic groups: 1- Ecological sanctification, 2- Ecological religiosity, 3- Meaning-oriented nature contemplation, 4- Spiritual symbolism of nature, and 5- Governance of environmental spirituality. The findings revealed that environmental spirituality is a multifaceted concept interpretable through its interaction with religion, philosophy, aesthetics, and policymaking. Conceptual analysis of the themes indicates that inner human experiences in nature including meditation, intuition, indigenous narratives, and religious activism play a crucial role in shaping ethical and environmental behaviors. By integrating conceptual data and theoretical approaches, the present study provides an analytical model for understanding and promoting environmental spirituality. This model is applicable in educational, cultural, and environmental policymaking contexts and can contribute to shaping future discourses on eco-spirituality.
Keywords
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