Divine Word Missionaries lead environmental conservation efforts amid growing ecological threats in Flores

The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) is celebrating 150 years of existence and it is promoting the environment and mobilizing religious congregations and local communities to oppose ecological destruction.

In 2025, as part of this milestone celebration, the SVD initiated large-scale tree-planting efforts, engaging 30 religious congregations working in Manggarai Barat to actively participate in environmental restoration projects.

This ecological movement reflects the SVD’s enduring mission to care for creation and promote sustainable living in response to the growing environmental crisis.

The SVD-led ecological movement has already conducted two major tree-planting events this year. On January 18, 2025, over 400 participants, including priests, religious brothers and sisters, and local community members, planted trees in Cunca Lolos and Tondong Belang villages in Flores, Indonesia.

This effort was followed by a second event on February 1, 2025, in South Lembor District, where trees were planted around five natural water sources to safeguard clean water supply and prevent land degradation.

“This initiative is not just about planting trees but about restoring what has been lost,” said Divine Word Father Marsel Agot. “Many of our natural landscapes have been disturbed, and our responsibility is to protect them before it’s too late.”

Environmental Destruction: The Looming Threat in Flores

The environmental crisis in Flores is not new. Large-scale projects, particularly geothermal energy initiatives, and extractive industries, have caused significant ecological damage.

One of the most controversial cases was the geothermal project in Wae Sano, West Manggarai, where the government and private companies attempted to develop geothermal energy at the expense of local communities.

The project sparked resistance from indigenous communities and religious groups, who feared that drilling would pollute water sources, damage sacred lands, and disrupt livelihoods.

Other areas in Flores have also suffered from deforestation, mining, and infrastructure projects that prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.

Unregulated logging and land conversion have led to the depletion of endemic tree species, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity.

“These projects claim to bring development, but in reality, they leave behind devastation,” Father Agot noted. “We cannot afford to let Manggarai Barat follow the same path. This is why we are taking action now.” 

Preserving the Iconic “Munting” Tree

One of the SVD’s conservation priorities is the protection of the “Kayu Munting,” an endemic tree species in Manggarai Barat, West Flores. 

Traditional houses and sacred structures have long used Munting wood, renowned for its durability and cultural significance, in their construction. However, deforestation has placed this valuable tree at risk.

“Munting is more than just a tree; it is a guardian of our heritage,” explained Father Agot. “In Manggarai tradition, cutting a Munting tree requires permission from the spirits because it is believed to protect the land and its people. We must ensure its survival for future generations.”

Munting trees, with their distinct red, yellow, brown, and white leaves, once flourished across the region but have become increasingly rare due to habitat destruction.

The SVD’s tree-planting movement seeks to restore Munting populations and raise awareness about their ecological and cultural value.

Faith and Ecology: A Collective Responsibility

Beyond tree planting, the SVD and other religious groups are fostering a greater sense of responsibility for creation. On January 11, 2025, the Forum Komunikasi Kongregasi Religius (FKKR)—a coalition of religious congregations working in Manggarai Barat—gathered for a Christmas celebration, strengthening their collective resolve to defend the environment and uphold traditional ecological wisdom.

“Faith calls us to care for creation,” said Agot. “We cannot separate our spirituality from our responsibility to protect our common home. As religious people, we must set an example and inspire others to do the same.”

Through its environmental and cultural preservation efforts, the SVD and its partners are proving that conservation is not just about planting trees but about challenging harmful practices, reviving indigenous wisdom, and advocating for policies that prioritize people and nature over profit.

The SVD's movement serves as a powerful reminder that faith, tradition, and ecological responsibility must work together to ensure a sustainable future, given the ongoing threats looming over Flores.