GENESIS 1:26–28 AS A PARADIGM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: AN ECO-THEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION

Publication Details

Publication Date

10/07/2026

Volume / Issue

Vol 1, Issue 2 (2026)

Article No.

007

Journal

British Journal of Contemporary Research

Received

07 Jun 2026

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2

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0

Abstract

Alfred North Whitehead’s theory of organism has long emphasised the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural environment. However, the increasing exploitation of natural resources in recent decades has significantly disrupted this relationship. Consequently, the fundamental purpose of dominion in Genesis 1:26–30, namely the promotion of harmony between environmental protection and human survival, has not been adequately appreciated, resulting in persistent ecological and developmental challenges. This study seeks to reconstruct the concept of dominion in Genesis 1:26–30, not merely within the framework of environmental stewardship but also as a vital strategy for safeguarding human survival in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, employing exegetical analysis based on secondary sources, including scholarly literature and lexical materials, complemented by limited primary data obtained through ecological field observation. The findings reveal that the creation narrative presents a divine blueprint for sustainability that predates the creation of humanity. This suggests that the preservation of the ecosystem, which existed before human beings, is indispensable to human survival. Without a healthy environment, the realisation of human potential and the attainment of sustainable development become increasingly unattainable. The study therefore recommends that key stakeholders, including governments, policymakers, and religious organisations, should regard ecological intervention not merely as an environmental management concern but as an essential undertaking that prioritises human life. Environmental protection should be recognised as a non-negotiable component of sustainable development and a prerequisite for the continued flourishing of humanity.

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This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License . Free to read, share, and adapt with attribution.