Our Values and Mission
A Rocha is an international Christian nature conservation organization. Established in Portugal in 1983 at the location from which it takes its name (A Rocha, meaning “The Rock” in Portuguese), it has focused its activities from the beginning on two main axes:
– Actively working on the ground for the preservation and restoration of nature through scientific studies
– Conducting awareness-raising actions, particularly among the Christian public, to foster a change in human behaviors that leads to environmental respect
Present in 20 countries across the world and on all five continents, A Rocha builds all its projects on the basis of five common principles. In Lebanon, A Rocha was founded in 1996 through the efforts of Chris and Susana Naylor and British theologian John Stott.
The 5 “C”s of A Rocha
Christian
The fundamental motivation for our actions is our faith in the God of the Bible, the Creator. God loves His creation and has entrusted it to the care of human societies.
Conservation
We conduct scientific studies for the conservation and restoration of the environment. We also establish environmental education programs in the various countries where we operate. These programs are intended for everyone, including children, youth, and adults.
Community and Relationships
We are committed to God and our neighbors, and our responsibility extends to all of creation. This leads us to develop and maintain good relationships within the A Rocha organization as well as with the inhabitants and authorities of the localities or regions where A Rocha is involved.
Culture and Diversity
A Rocha benefits from the experience and skills of people from very diverse, local, regional, and international cultures.
Cooperation
A Rocha collaborates with individuals, other associations or organizations, research centers, and local, national, or international communities that share our interest in environmental protection and sustainable development.
Why Christians in Conservation?
The reasons for conserving nature and its biodiversity are not merely utilitarian: they are fundamentally ethical and moral, referring to values that transcend time and human interest. For Christians, these reasons originate in biblical values that provide a solid foundation for environmental action. We highlight four:
– Out of Love – God created out of love, and God loves all of His creation. Taking care of His work is an act of love towards God and towards our neighbors.
– Out of Obedience – God gave man a mandate to “cultivate and keep” the garden. As stewards of the Earth, we must conserve it and all that it contains.
– Out of Justice – The greatest injustice of our time is the environmental crisis, caused by the wealthiest and affecting the poorest first. Acting for the environment helps to reduce injustices and improve the future for all.
– Out of Hope– We can make a difference because God supports His creation and helps us in this task. Our actions reflect a God of hope, not fatalism.