Nature conservation and religion

This article discusses the historical role of religion in nature conservation. After a brief overview over the main world religions, the article focuses on the Zoroastrian religion of ancient Persia. It is argued, that Zarathustra's teachings were particularly focused on proper care for trees, forests, animals, land and other natural resources. For example, under the influence of Zoroastrianism, Persian kings established the world's first forestry administration and nature reserve; and animal sacrifices were prohibited. The influence of Zarathustra on nature and forest conservation or animal husbandry may not be visible in the modern world, where Zoroastrianism has widely been substituted by Islam. Nonetheless, some cultural practices are still visible, such as an annual tree planting week that takes place in today's Iran.