Note: Many environmental activists believe that a significant portion of natural resource degradation stems from mismanagement by the governing authority. Consequently, it can be argued that the governance of natural resources is a pivotal factor in preventing their depletion. In this exclusive article, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Dr. Sayyid Kazem Sayyidbaqeri, Head of the Politics Department at the Islamic Culture and Thought Research Institute, delineates the essential imperatives of governance for the preservation of natural resources.
Islamic thought emphasizes environmental conservation, considering corruption on land and sea a result of human wrongdoing: “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned, so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]” (Qur’an, 30:41). The words of the Prophet (peace be upon him) also state: “Among the accursed is one who pollutes public spaces, shelters, parks, places where travelers alight…” (Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 75, p. 234). Given that the environment is a divine trust entrusted to humanity, within the Islamic system, its protection is not merely a legal and administrative responsibility but also a religious and ethical obligation. From the perspective of Islamic political thought, the Islamic state is duty-bound to safeguard natural resources, biodiversity, and environmental health for both present and future generations.
Article Fifty of the Constitution underscores the preservation of the environment, stipulating: “In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the protection of the environment, in which present and future generations must have a growing social life, is considered a public duty. Consequently, economic and other activities that inevitably lead to environmental pollution or cause irreparable damage to it are prohibited.” Accordingly, it is emphasized that all operators of stationary air pollution sources are required to comply with permissible emission limits in their boiler rooms and combustion systems. These facilities are also obligated to take necessary measures to prevent the emission of pollutants into the open air, use appropriate fuel (preferably city gas), and are required to conduct annual technical inspections of their boiler room and combustion systems by companies certified by the Iranian National Standards Organization, in compliance with permissible pollutant emission limits. Based on the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, “engaging in any action that causes environmental pollution is prohibited.”
The primary duties of the government in this context can be examined across several areas, some of which are highlighted below.
Legislation and the enforcement of environmental regulations constitute a crucial step in this domain. This includes enacting and implementing stringent laws to prevent air, water, and soil pollution, as well as deforestation, alongside monitoring industrial and economic activities to reduce pollutants and conserve natural resources. Conversely, it is imperative to deter environmental destruction by imposing heavy fines and severe penalties on violators.
Another facet of the Islamic government’s duty pertains to the sphere of soft power and the promotion of environmental culture within Islamic society. The government must take significant strides in this direction by providing public education on the importance of environmental protection through media, schools, and universities, encouraging the populace towards optimal and prudent consumption. In line with this, based on environmental laws, “The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and other state media are required to broadcast programs—produced in the areas of culture-building, capacity-building, education, and information—approved by the [Environmental Protection] Organization concerning awareness and combating air pollution and dust events, provided media regulations are observed, in the form of advertisements or educational media programs, at fifty percent (50%) of the cost.” In this regard, reliance on a green economy and support for modern technologies to reduce pollution and utilize renewable energies (such as solar and wind power) are of particular importance.
Another critical duty in this arena is the management of environmental crises, including combating drought, water pollution, land subsidence, and dust storms. During crises, it is essential to employ advanced equipment and new technologies; reliance on past tools and management approaches is insufficient. Establishing early warning systems for natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes is an example of this.
A further significant discussion and duty of the Islamic government is the implementation of environmental justice, the protection of people’s rights, and the prevention of environmental discrimination. Supporting underdeveloped regions can be analyzed within this framework. To achieve this objective, the participation of the public and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in environmental decision-making can be leveraged. The presence of justice in the environment can guarantee people’s rights to access clean air, safe water, and a developed landscape.
Therefore, the Islamic government must play an active role in environmental protection through the rule of law, sustainable development, public participation, and the promotion of an environmentally conscious and justice-oriented culture. This responsibility is not only a governmental duty but also an integral part of social justice and a religious obligation to preserve the divine trust for future generations.