Protecting peace and the ecological environment: From the story of the Coconut Religion in Ben Tre

Tóm tắt

Ben Tre is known as Vietnam’s coconut capital. When discussing Ben Tre, one inevitably refers to coconuts and the unique cultural phenomenon of the “Coconut Religion”. While this religion no longer exists in its original form following 1975, the folk beliefs surrounding coconuts in Ben Tre continue to reflect the cultural legacy of the “Coconut Religion”. One of the enduring values within this heritage is the emphasis on peace and sustainable ecological preservation, a cause championed by the religion’s founder, Mr Nguyen Thanh Nam. This legacy extends beyond Vietnam, resonating with followers and researchers in Japan as well. The Coconut Religion’s principles have transformed into a folk belief system that integrates religious elements and promotes peace and environmental protection globally. This collaborative research seeks to explore lessons on sustainable ecological protection inspired by the post “Coconut Religion” coconut beliefs, which offer valuable insights for environmental policy. These beliefs, which span natural and cultural ecology, contribute to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and spiritual culture. The findings also hold potential for reviving and enhancing tourism in Ben Tre within the context of globalisation and integration.