*Post-conference update

What is the relationship between ethical and spiritual principles and the practical actions of individuals and communities facing global environmental change?

The International Environment Forum, a Baha'i-inspired organization, tackles this issue at its 11th annual conference, co-organized by the Bahá'í Community of Canada, Oct. 12-14 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Entitled "Responding to Climate Change: Scientific Realities, Spiritual Imperatives," the conference is geared to the general public; academics and students; and faith-based, environmental and other non-governmental organizations.

The International Environment Forum is one significant way Baha'is are participating in the U.N. Decade for Education for Sustainable Development, which runs from 2005-2014. The IEF has devoted four annual conferences to themes relevant to the decade.

Visit IEF's website for further information or go to the registration page to register directly for the conference. Those who cannot attend the conference may register for the free, simultaneous, electronic version. Send your name, full mailing address and email address to j_fienieg@hotmail.com.

Also, the Green Acre Baha'i School in Eliot, Maine, is sponsoring a "Better Together: Fostering Interfaith Collaboration for Sustainability" conference Sept. 22-23. Faith groups in the greater Seacoast Region, as well as those from other areas, are encouraged to send teams to participate; individuals also are welcome.

The conference is organized by a local interfaith team in collaboration with the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development. To register or for more information about the conference, see the program description on the Green Acre website or contact the school at greenacre@usbnc.org or 207-439-7200.

Preserving and respecting the environment is a thread that runs through the Baha'i writings. One such statement is expressed in a letter written in 1933 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Baha'i Faith from 1921 to 1957:

"We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions."

Additional Baha'i writings discuss economic, social and environmental sustainability.