Water Conservation: Intersections of Spirituality, Ecology, and Economics

Abstract

Water conservation is a global issue that transcends technical dimensions, encompassing spirituality, ecology, and economics. This study aims to explore the interconnections among these three dimensions through a qualitative approach involving literature review, textual analysis of religious sources, and ethnographic observations of community practices. Findings reveal that water is perceived as a sacred entity in various religious traditions, shaping ethical imperatives for conservation and guiding resource management based on local wisdom. Such spiritual perspectives directly support ecological balance through the protection of sacred landscapes and sustainable agricultural practices, while simultaneously sustaining community economies in agriculture, tourism, and ecosystem services. The results highlight that integrating spirituality, ecological knowledge, and economic needs can generate a more holistic, sustainable, and culturally grounded model of water conservation. The study recommends strengthening water governance policies by incorporating local knowledge and spiritual values as ethical foundations for natural resource management.