Faith-Based Affirmative Action For Environmental Conservation: Empirical Evidence From Pakistan

Abstract

In Recent literature highlights a strong link between faith and environmental conservation in developing countries. Faith-based approaches are increasingly seen as more effective than secular ones in shaping pro-environmental behaviors and attitudes. As industrialization and development projects accelerate, environmental degradation intensifies, prompting new strategies for sustainable development. One such strategy is the use of faith-based affirmative action programs that engage religious communities in environmental initiatives through targeted education and outreach. Pakistan, despite having one of the world’s largest Muslim populations and facing severe environmental challenges, has seen limited research on the intersection of faith and environmental conservation. This study addresses that gap by presenting empirical findings from a field-based research project conducted near Islamabad. Using various models, the study assesses whether religious belief influences community action, specifically in managing household solid waste. Findings indicate that faith significantly encourages positive environmental attitudes and active community participation. Field data further supports the conclusion that religiously framed programs can successfully mobilize communities for conservation. These results underscore the potential of faith-based affirmative action as a valuable policy tool for promoting sustainability, particularly in culturally and religiously rooted societies like Pakistan.