Molly Burhans: Charting a Sustainable Path for Faith-Based Land Management.
Molly Burhans, a pioneering environmentalist and cartographer, is leveraging her expertise to empower faith-based organizations in environmental stewardship. Through her innovative approach, Burhans is wielding the power of spatial data to promote sustainable land management practices within religious communities.
Burhans’ journey began with a personal experience of urban renewal, where she witnessed the transformative potential of responsible land use. This early exposure ignited a passion for harnessing land management as a tool for environmental good. Recognizing the vast landholdings of the Catholic Church, Burhans identified a unique opportunity to create positive environmental change.
In 2015, Burhans established GoodLands, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to empowering faith-based communities. GoodLands offers crucial support by creating digital maps of religious landholdings and fostering sustainable management practices. This initiative holds immense significance, considering the Catholic Church alone stewards land comparable to the size of France.
Burhans’ groundbreaking work extends beyond the Catholic Church. Her dedication led to the creation of the first-ever comprehensive digital map of the Church’s global governing jurisdictions. This accomplishment serves as a vital resource for the Church to implement sustainable land management strategies across its vast holdings.
The significance of Burhans’ work lies in the immense environmental impact of faith-based land management. Faith-based organizations hold a substantial portion of the world’s land, and Burhans’ approach empowers these institutions to become responsible stewards of the environment. This collaborative effort paves the way for the adoption of sustainable practices that contribute significantly to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
Burhans’ commitment extends beyond her organization. She actively fosters collaboration between faith-based groups and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This collaborative spirit is crucial for addressing pressing environmental issues and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Burhans was designated a Young Champion of the Earth by UNEP. This prestigious award acknowledges her innovative approach and her dedication to empowering young environmental leaders. Molly Burhans serves as a powerful role model, demonstrating the transformative potential of youthful idealism coupled with strategic action in the fight for a sustainable future.