Embracing the Essence of Spirited Ecology
Spirited Ecology is an innovative approach that blends spirituality and ecological consciousness to foster a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. It encourages individuals to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings, urging them to appreciate the intrinsic value of nature and all its inhabitants. This holistic perspective emphasizes that our actions have a direct impact on the environment and that it is our responsibility to care for the Earth.
Central to Spirited Ecology is the understanding that human well-being and environmental health are intertwined. By adopting sustainable practices and cultivating mindfulness, individuals can contribute to the overall health of the planet. This approach also underscores the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
By integrating spiritual principles with environmental stewardship, Spirited Ecology seeks to create a paradigm shift in the way we perceive our relationship with the natural world. It promotes reverence for nature, sustainable living, mindfulness, and community involvement as key components of a balanced and harmonious existence.
As we face unprecedented environmental challenges, Spirited Ecology offers a hopeful and transformative path forward. By embracing the spirit of nature and fostering a deep connection with the Earth, we can work together to create a more sustainable, compassionate, and thriving world for all living beings.
Rekindling the Spirit of Nature
In a world consumed by rapid urbanization and technological advancements, the call of the spirit of nature can often be muted. However, renowned environmentalist and author Dr. Jane Goodall reminds us of the profound connection between humans and the natural world.
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”.
– Goodall
Recent studies suggest that embracing the spirit of nature can have transformative effects on our well-being and mental health. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, spending time in nature significantly reduces stress levels, increases positive emotions, and fosters a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves (Capaldi et al., 2014). In the words of naturalist John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
Despite the undeniable benefits of connecting with the spirit of nature, modern society seems to be drifting further away from it. The World Wildlife Fund’s 2020 Living Planet Report reveals that global populations of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles have declined by 68% in just 50 years (WWF, 2020). This staggering decline serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to rekindle our relationship with nature.
In an attempt to revitalize our bond with the environment, initiatives like the Spirited Ecology movement promote a holistic approach to environmental stewardship that combines spiritual principles with ecological awareness. By fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world, Spirited Ecology aims to promote sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and a more harmonious existence on Earth.
As we embark on a journey to rediscover the spirit of nature, let us heed the words of Chief Seattle, a 19th-century Native American leader: “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect” (Seattle, 1854). By embracing this interconnectedness, we can begin to restore the balance between humanity and the natural world.
Key Principles of Spirited Ecology
Interconnectedness
Recognizing that all living beings and ecosystems are connected and interdependent, Spirited Ecology seeks to foster a sense of unity with nature. By understanding these connections, people can work together to create a healthier, more sustainable world.
Reverence of Nature
A core principle of Spirited Ecology is that the natural world should be treated with respect and reverence. This means honoring the intrinsic value of all living beings and ecosystems, regardless of their perceived usefulness to humans.
Sustainable Living
Spirited Ecology encourages individuals to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting local economies. By making conscious choices, individuals can minimize their environmental impact and contribute to the overall health of the planet.
Mindfulness and Self Awareness
Practicing mindfulness and cultivating self-awareness can help individuals better understand their impact on the environment and make more informed decisions. By being present and attentive, people can develop a deeper connection with nature and work toward more sustainable lifestyles.
Environment and Sustainability Updates
- Nature Ecology & Evolution, Published online: 28 March 2024; doi:10.1038/s41559-024-02405-9Author Correction: Anthropogenic climate and land-use change drive short- and long-term biodiversity shifts across taxa
- Nature Ecology & Evolution, Published online: 25 March 2024; doi:10.1038/s41559-024-02353-4Analysis of publicly available viral genomes shows that humans may give more viruses to animals than they give to us, and reveals evolutionary mechanisms underpinning viral host jumps.
- Nature Ecology & Evolution, Published online: 25 March 2024; doi:10.1038/s41559-024-02377-wAn analysis of publicly available viral genomes explores the evolutionary dynamics of host jumps and shows that humans are as much a source of viral spillover events to other animals as they are recipients.
- An ant colony is sustained through complex social dynamics, with each member—the queen, males and workers (sterile females)—contributing to the greater community. Some species add complexity to this dynamic with the addition of rather small queens.
- Endangered smalltooth sawfish, marine creatures virtually unchanged for millions of years, are exhibiting erratic spinning behavior and dying in unusual numbers in Florida waters. Federal and state wildlife agencies are beginning an effort to rescue and rehabilitate sawfish to find out why.
- U.S. scientists and policy experts with a broad range of expertise in the fields of climate and ecosystem sciences have outlined key recommendations aimed at bolstering the scientific foundation for implementation of nature-based climate solutions (NbCS) across the nation.
- Spotted hyenas are known for hunting (or scavenging) larger mammals such as antelopes and occasionally feed on smaller mammals and reptiles. Being flexible in the choice of prey is a strategy of generalists—and this even extends to small passerine birds, as scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) and the University of Ljubljana observed in Namibia.
- Just as many people battle seasonal colds and flu, native plants face their own viral threats. People have long known that plants can succumb to viruses just like humans. Now, a new study led by Michigan State University and the University of California, Riverside reveals a previously unknown threat: non-native crop viruses are infecting and jeopardizing the health of wild desert plants.
- IntroductionMonitoring overnight behavior is important in assessing the overall wellbeing of ex-situ elephant populations, with recumbent rest and stereotypy as key indicators of welfare. However, there have been few studies that address the overnight behavior of singly housed male elephants with a history of stereotypy. We conducted an opportunistic case study of the overnight behavior (i.e., rest and stereotypy) of a singly housed geriatric male Asian elephant at the Oklahoma City Zoo to identify his overnight behavioral rhythms in response to physiological (musth) and environmental changes (habitat access, automatic timed feeders) and […]
- The application of reproductive technologies to amphibian conservation breeding programs is gaining momentum and the field is poised to contribute significantly toward amphibian species recovery. We briefly discuss the opportunities for reproductive technologies to enhance conservation breeding outcomes, including their potential to enhance the genetic management, and in turn, the fitness of threatened species. Despite this potential, an important consideration that is not yet well understood is the degree to which specific reproductive technologies might influence (either enhance, or in some instances potentially decrease) individual fitness and lead to shifts in population […]
- IntroductionUnderstanding what drives differences in values toward wild meat is important for developing legislation and behavioral change campaigns that promote sustainable use. Value orientations (VOs) underly behavior. VOs are influenced by personal (e.g., gender, generation), social (e.g., media, family), location (e.g., rural versus urban), and experience determinants. In Guyana, an ethnic diverse nation in South America, the national hunting laws have recently been instated. The wildlife management agency is rolling out a behavioral change campaign in collaboration with a sustainable use initiative. To support this campaign, we evaluated VOs toward wild meat […]
- IntroductionWildlife tourism is important for the conservation of protected areas, endangered species, and to empower local communities. Nevertheless, when guidelines and practices are not clear and correctly executed, tourism may have a negative impact.MethodsWe carried out semi-open interviews (n = 34) and several workshops (n = 50) with locals and tour guides in the village of Punta Allen in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Data were organized in tables in Excel®, and statistical analysis was conducted with IBM® SPSS® Statistics software. A priori, exploratory data analysis was carried out to identify the […]
- Grootbos Nature Reserve falls within the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa and comprises fynbos and forest vegetation elements, which exist as alternate stable states and are naturally maintained by feedbacks between vegetation, fire, topography and climate. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in forest extent in the Baviaansfontein valley in Grootbos Nature Reserve in order to understand whether current forest coverage was greater or lesser prior to colonial settlement. Incorporating paleoecology has the potential to define historical ranges of landscape variability that can guide forest restoration programs that […]
- Framing ecological restoration and monitoring goals from a human benefits perspective (i.e., ecosystem services) can help inform restoration planners, surrounding communities, and relevant stakeholders about the direct benefits they may obtain from a specific restoration project. We used a case study of tidal wetland restoration in the Tillamook River watershed in Oregon, USA, to demonstrate how to identify and integrate community stakeholders/beneficiaries and the environmental attributes they use to inform the design of and enhance environmental benefits from ecological restoration. Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Final Ecosystem Goods and Services (FEGS) […]
- Terrestrial wildlife species are important yet often overlooked taxa in the recovery of ecosystems following dam removal. Their presence can shape ecosystem recovery, signal restoration of ecosystem function, and influence food web dynamics and nutrient transfer. We used camera traps to examine seasonal use of two former reservoir beds and an upstream reference reach by the mammalian community following the removal of two large dams on the Elwha River, Washington, USA. For certain taxa, we compared current species use to data collected prior to dam removal. Camera traps revealed use by at […]
- Vegetation to some extent can reflect the overall state of the ecological environment, and increasing vegetation cover can improve the quality of the ecological environment. The southwest karst region of China is a typical ecologically fragile area and an important ecological barrier. Against the backdrop of intensified human activities, the vegetation dynamics in the karst region have attracted widespread attention. Analyzing vegetation cover changes and their responses to human activities is important for regional ecological development. This study is based on SPOT-VGT NDVI data from 1998 to 2020 and employs trend analysis, […]
- IntroductionAccurately quantifying the diet of species has implications for our understanding of their ecology and conservation. Yet, determining the dietary composition of threatened and elusive species in the wild is often difficult.MethodsThis study presents the first dietary assessment of tjakura (Liopholis kintorei) using non-invasive sampling of scats and high-throughput sequencing techniques.ResultsThe tjakura in Uluru consumed 48 invertebrates, 27 plants, and two vertebrate taxa. Fruit flies (Leucophenga spp.), beetles (Harpalus spp. and Omorgus spp.), mosquitos (Culicidae spp.), termites (Termitidae spp.), spiked mallow (Malvastrum americanum), bush tomatoes (Solanum centrale), and wild turnip (Brassica tournefortii) […]
- IntroductionTranspiration is the driving force of water transport, which plays a crucial role in the rapid growth of bamboo shoots. Nonetheless, the transpiration changes that occur in the shoot sheath of Moso bamboo during the leafless stage and the physiological processes involved in water transport from the mother bamboo to bamboo shoots are not completely understood.MethodsThis study investigated the temporal dynamics of the transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal conductance (gs) of the sheaths from bamboo shoots to culms and diurnal variations in Tr and gs as well as the spatial dynamics of […]
- Riparian ecosystems are recognized as large reservoirs of biodiversity providing important ecosystem services. However, the relationship between tree species diversity and ecosystem functions and the underlying ecological mechanisms have less been studied in riparian corridors. This study assessed the effect of tree diversity (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) on riparian ecosystem functions (habitat quality–HbQ and aboveground carbon–AGC) across environmental gradients (distances to stream bed) and conservation status. Data were collected from 96 inventory plots installed in a 1 km buffer zone on either side of permanent streams in the Upper Ouémé watershed in […]
- The hilly region of the Loess Plateau has lush vegetation and high carbon sequestration potential. However, previous studies have not focused on differences in carbon storage of different forest types and their causes. This study aimed to explore the carbon storage of forest and identify the main influencing factors of carbon storage to provide basis for improving the carbon fixation capacity of planted forest in the region. Broad-leaved, coniferous, and mixed forests at different altitudes were selected from the Ziwuling Mountains in the Loess hilly region. The carbon storage as well as […]
- Forest landscape fragmentation poses a significant challenge to the conservation of species diversity. Evaluating the suitability of forest landscape restoration (FLR) becomes essential as it promotes effective management of forest resources and protects species diversity. This study focused on deploying and testing a suitability evaluation framework system for FLR in the Saihanba area of Hebei, China. The framework system incorporated factors such as land cover type, landscape structure, soil quality, and topography. Using the matter-element model, the study evaluated the restoration suitability and identified priority restoration areas. The results revealed that land […]
- Understanding the relationship between tree growth and environmental conditions is essential to elucidating the impact of global climate change on forest ecosystems. We used the dendrochronology method to examine the growth sensitivity of a typical conifer to climate change in mountain forests of Central Hengduan Mountain. The study involved the establishment of tree ring width chronologies of Pinus yunnanensis in both Haba Snow Mountain (HB) and Yulong Snow Mountain (YL) in northwestern Yunnan, enabling the detection of the relationship between its radial growth and climates, i.e., monthly total precipitation, monthly temperatures (average […]
- Despite rapidly expanding interest in the use of natural coastal habitats for their ability to protect against erosion and flooding, implementation of coastal natural infrastructure (NI) projects has been limited to date. Uncertainty over how the benefits of NI will change over time as they mature and adapt to changing environmental drivers, and a lack of well-documented demonstrations of NI, are often cited as roadblocks to their widespread acceptance. Here, we begin to fill that knowledge gap by describing implementation and early (3 years post-implementation) monitoring results of an NI project at Swan […]
- Municipal solid waste constitutes environmental challenges globally, especially in developing countries, due to increasing waste generation, population growth, inadequate infrastructure, lack of data and poor planning. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive waste audit on the municipal solid waste generated in Aba, a metropolis in southeastern Nigeria. Aba is a commercial city considered the messiest because of the massive municipal solid waste generation and poor management. The study investigated the energy potential and waste regeneration. Municipal solid waste data was sought to provide insight into the quantity and composition of municipal […]
- Policy plays a significant role in accelerating or hindering a circular shift; Governments can set long-term visions and drive legislative change to create an enabling environment. Reflecting the regional picture, Zambia is experiencing increasing waste burdens due to a growing population and economic development. The current management approach is linear, characterized by low collection rates, inadequate disposal, and limited waste revalorization. From a sustainable development perspective, how waste is managed impacts pressing issues such as climate change and public health. The concept of the Circular Economy (CE) has gained global and regional […]
- Malnutrition is a major global challenge. Multiple forms, from underweight to obesity, exist, and several forms coexist within communities and households. Traditional food markets, also known as wet, local, or informal markets, are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and are a key place where people buy and sell food and socially interact, especially those vulnerable to malnutrition. As such they are vital to food and nutrition security. While it is recognized that gender is an important consideration in food and nutrition security, very little has been published in peer reviewed journals, with […]
- The built environment and walking are hot topics in human settlement environment and health. It is essential for both built environment and walking research to clarify the knowledge base, development context, and cooperation network, and to explore the cutting-edge hot spots and development trends. We collected research data from the Web of Science core collection database. This study used analysis techniques including country and institution cooperation networks, keyword co-occurrences, burst keywords, reference co-citations, and cluster analysis to systematically analyze the built environment and walking research. The study found that research on built […]
- Small-scale fisheries are significant sources of nutrition and livelihood globally. However, increasing anthropogenic activities in coastal areas of developing countries have threatened the sustainability of artisanal fisheries and species. Fisheries of Sardinella maderensis, towards the global stock of which Nigeria contributes 9% and which is a significant livelihood source in the coastal communities of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, faces sustainability threats. This research investigated the effects of anthropogenic activities on S. maderensis fisheries in the coastal areas of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed-method approach involving qualitative and quantitative research methods. These […]
- Resource allocation in climate-smart productive practices depends on the explicit recognition and accountability of the expected costs and benefits in socioeconomic and ecological terms. This study assessed the private and social costs and benefits of 10 practices compatible with the transition to sustainable agricultural practices under an integrated landscape management (ILM) approach. First, the financial and economic viability of the alternatives was evaluated with a cost-benefit analysis. Then, the potential contribution of these practices in terms of carbon sequestration and landscape connectivity was determined in an ILM scenario where at least three […]
- Academic research plays a pivotal role in illustrating and testing potential future adaptation strategies to sea level rise in low-lying coastal communities and enhances local municipalities’ adaptation plans. In Waikīkī, Hawai‘i, the built environment is increasingly impacted by flooding from multiple drivers: sea level rise-induced direct marine inundation, storm-drain backflow, and groundwater inundation (GWI), compounded by high-wave runup, extreme tides, heavy rainfall, and a shallow groundwater table. Given Waikīkī’s economic and cultural importance, in-place accommodation of flooding is desired, yet implementation plans have not been developed. By combining current scientific research, urban […]
- Precise prediction of the power generation of photovoltaic (PV) stations on the island contributes to efficiently utilizing and developing abundant solar energy resources along the coast. In this work, a hybrid short-term prediction model (ICMIC-POA-CNN-BIGRU) was proposed to study the output of a fishing–solar complementary PV station with high humidity on the island. ICMIC chaotic mapping was used to optimize the initial position of the pelican optimization algorithm (POA) population, enhancing the global search ability. Then, ICMIC-POA performed hyperparameter debugging and L2-regularization coefficient optimization on CNN-BIGRU (convolutional neural network and bidirectional gated […]
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- While Wyoming is home to some of North America's most abundant populations of pronghorn that have largely been stable in recent years, a new analysis shows that many herds are experiencing long-term declines in fawn production.
- When officials make tough calls on which areas to prioritize for conservation, biodiversity is often their top consideration. But there are several types of diversity, and not all of them overlap perfectly. In a new study, researchers analyzed 20-years' worth of U.S. Forest Service data and show that the simplest measure of diversity is the best predictor of healthy forest growth, providing a roadmap for quickly and efficiently protecting ecological resources.
- Some plant species will 'win' and others will 'lose' as global warming forces them to move uphill, new research shows.
- What maintains stability within an ecosystem and prevents a single best competitor from displacing other species from a community? Does ecosystem stability depend upon the presence of a wide variety of species, as early ecologists believed, or does diversity do the exact opposite, and lead to instability, as modern theory predicts? A new study suggests an answer to this question that has been a subject of debate among ecologists for half a century.
- Forests and streams are separate but linked ecosystems, existing side by side, with energy and nutrients crossing their porous borders and flowing back and forth between them. For example, leaves fall from trees, enter streams, decay and feed aquatic insects. Those insects emerge from the waters and are eaten by birds and bats. An international team has now found that these ecosystems appear to keep the energy exchanges in balance — a finding that the scientists called surprising.
- A recent study reveals an unexpected link between manganese — a naturally occurring mineral — and increased carbon emissions from high-latitude boreal forests. The study uncovers how manganese increases carbon emissions from boreal forest soil, over time, challenging conventional understanding of the role of manganese in the carbon cycle.
- How coral populations expand into new areas and sustain themselves over time is limited by the scope of modern observations. Going back thousands of years, a study provides geological insights into coral range expansions by reconstructing the composition of a Late Holocene-aged subfossil coral death assemblage in an unusual location in Southeast Florida and comparing it to modern reefs throughout the region. Findings offer a unique glimpse into what was once a vibrant coral reef assemblage and discover if history can repeat itself in the face of climate change.
- Climate change may dramatically affect the animal species observed in North American cities, according to a new study.
- A global shift to a healthier, more sustainable diet could be a huge lever to limit global warming to 1.5 C, researchers find. The resulting reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would increase the available carbon budget compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 C, and allow to achieve the same climate outcome with less carbon dioxide removal and less stringent CO2 emissions reductions in the energy system. This would also reduce emission prices, energy prices and food expenditures.
- Anthropologists created a computational model to predict the likelihood of animal extinctions based on the complex interaction of hunting and environmental change.