Challenging Human-Created Climate Crisis and Land-Based Spirituality as Climate Action from Coastal Area of Rakhine Indigenous Community Perspectives
摘要
This chapter explores the human-created climate crisis from the perspective of the Rakhine Indigenous community, emphasizing their land-based spirituality as a critical lens for understanding and responding to environmental challenges. Situated in a coastal region highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events, the Rakhine community navigates the intersections of ecological degradation, spiritual ethics, and resilience. The chapter delineates two overarching themes: the anthropogenic causes of climate crises and land-based spirituality as climate action. Subthemes include the impacts of human greed, deforestation, and industrial waste; the intrinsic value of land as a naturally created entity; and the role of spiritual principles such as Panchashila in fostering ecological stewardship. The findings highlight the community’s reliance on practices like afforestation, water conservation, and the symbolic reverence for trees and water, which are deeply rooted in their spiritual worldview. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge (IEK) with spirituality, the Rakhine community demonstrates a holistic approach to resilience, balancing cultural heritage with adaptive practices. The chapter concludes with actionable insights into community-based adaptation strategies, the challenges of mainstream marginalization, and the necessity for inclusive policy frameworks that center Indigenous voices in climate action.