Eco-Preservation through the Lens of Igbo Beliefs and Practices: A Re-Imagination

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The Author presents an interesting analysis of the relationship between religion and ecology. Competently conducts qualitative research. Presents important conclusions and practical suggestions. This is valuable contribution to the discussion on religion and ecology

Author Response

RESPONSE TO REVIEWERS’ COMMENTS

Reviewer 1 Comments

The Author presents an interesting analysis of the relationship between religion and ecology. Competently conducts qualitative research. Presents important conclusions and practical suggestions. This is valuable contribution to the discussion on religion and ecology

Author response: Thank you for reviewing this manuscript and identifying the core contribution of the qualitative research in relation to religion and ecology

Reviewer 2 Report

The article shows the connection between the environmental problem and the local beliefs of the indigenous peoples of Africa. It is claimed that enhancement and preservation can only be achieved if man is in harmony with the environment through his actions. Since it is the most fundamental basis of the Igbo cosmological matrix against this backdrop the study takes its bearing. The work recommends that the cultural/indigenous environmental education, advocacy and ecosystem activism and locally managed ecotourism be incorporated into both formal and informal education. The article describes and analyzes the study, which was conducted on the basis of surveys and interview to reveal ideas about Igbo religio-cultural practices that relate to preservation of nature (eco-system). Following from this study, it is suggested that further research be undertaken in ecotourism and the preservation of nature in Igbo land. When reading the article, the question remained open: what were the main reasons for the disastrous ecological situation in this region, if the indigenous peoples have always lived in harmony with nature? Perhaps the authors of the article should pay attention to this.

Author Response

RESPONSE TO REVIEWERS’ COMMENTS

Reviewer 2 Comments

The article shows the connection between the environmental problem and the local beliefs of the indigenous peoples of Africa. It is claimed that enhancement and preservation can only be achieved if man is in harmony with the environment through his actions. Since it is the most fundamental basis of the Igbo cosmological matrix against this backdrop the study takes its bearing. The work recommends that the cultural/indigenous environmental education, advocacy and ecosystem activism and locally managed ecotourism be incorporated into both formal and informal education. The article describes and analyzes the study, which was conducted on the basis of surveys and interview to reveal ideas about Igbo religio-cultural practices that relate to preservation of nature (eco-system). Following from this study, it is suggested that further research be undertaken in ecotourism and the preservation of nature in Igbo land. When reading the article, the question remained open: what were the main reasons for the disastrous ecological situation in this region, if the indigenous peoples have always lived in harmony with nature? Perhaps the authors of the article should pay attention to this.

Author response: Many thanks for your objective observation and question. It is correct and exemplified in the study that the beliefs and practices of the indigenous Igbo people put them in a picture that portrays them as living to an extent, in harmony with nature, but the study equally showed that this is not always the case especially in the contemporary Igbo society. The reasons were also mentioned for example: urban conurbation, modernity/globalization, influence of Christianity, et cetera. In fact, the thrust of the paper necessitating the re-imagination in the first place is the observation that these beliefs and practices that portray the indigenous people as “living in harmony with nature” can no longer all by itself stand alone in the present global, 21^st century reality. That explains why the re-imagination is germane and this research duly paid attention to it and made suggestions to that effect.

 

Reviewer 3 Report

This is an illuminating paper on an important topic. Whilst the paper is well written it should be read and edited by a fully native speaker/writer of English.

Thus for example:

What does 'aide vide' in line 5 mean?

'Diminished' rather than 'ameliorated' in line 14 would seem more appropriate.

'Irony' is not the right word in this sentence line 49.  

'Quipped' in line 58 is odd and too informal.

AND SO ON....

There is no adequate reference made to population growth and family size as a major factor in envirnomental degradation, and as to how indigenous beliefs might have impacted upon this. 

Author Response

RESPONSE TO REVIEWERS’ COMMENTS

Reviewer 3 Comments

1. This is an illuminating paper on an important topic. Whilst the paper is well written it should be read and edited by a fully native speaker/writer of English. Thus for example: What does 'aide vide' in line 5 mean? 'Diminished' rather than 'ameliorated' in line 14 would seem more appropriate. 'Irony' is not the right word in this sentence line 49.  'Quipped' in line 58 is odd and too informal. AND SO ON....
2. There is no adequate reference made to population growth and family size as a major factor in environmental degradation, and as to how indigenous beliefs might have impacted upon this. 

Author Response: 1. Thank you sincerely for your kind observation. The manuscript has now been read and edited by an English grammar expert. The grammatical errors have been corrected to the best of our ability as recommended.

2. Your candid observation about reference not made to population growth and family size as major factors in environmental degradation is very correct. The authors see that as a limitation of this present study which you may please excuse, more so, since the research did not primarily focus on the subject. Further study may focus on this subject for a more robust outcome. As a matter of fact, the authors have included this great observation in the segment- “suggestion for further study”.