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International scientific-online conference
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INTEGRATION OF NATIONAL AND UNIVERSAL ECOLOGICAL-
ETHICAL NORMS IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION: A
FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Nazarov Makhsud Abduqodirovich
Researcher at the National University of Uzbekistan
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15261966
Keywords
: ecological ethics, environmental culture, sustainable
development, globalization, national values, universal values, ecological
consciousness, environmental protection, environmental responsibility,
ecological education
Introduction
The process of globalization has brought unprecedented challenges to
humanity's relationship with the natural environment. The ecological crisis
facing modern civilization requires a fundamental rethinking of ethical
approaches to environmental protection and sustainable development. In
pursuit of universal goals, the integration of national and universal ecological-
ethical values represents a natural process that serves as a key indicator of
society's spiritual and cultural development.
However, current situation analysis reveals that this integration remains
incomplete and somewhat ambiguous. This is attributed not to the immorality of
ecological relationships but rather to the imbalance of interests in natural
resource utilization. The disproportionate and often conflicting economic
interests significantly influence attitudes toward ecological ethical values.
Therefore, defining the role of national and universal ecological ethical norms in
strengthening environmental attitudes must be considered within economic,
political, and cultural frameworks alongside ecological contexts.
As noted by President Mirziyoyev in his work «Strategy of New
Uzbekistan»: «Under the influence of globalization and information attacks,
various destructive ideas pose increasing threats to our national identity and
spiritual values. These foreign concepts enter our homes, our society, and most
dangerously, the pure hearts and minds of our young children without crossing
borders, without warning, as 'uninvited guests'» (Mirziyoyev, 2021, p. 268). This
observation emphasizes the importance of maintaining ecological and ethical
foundations while navigating the complexities of a globalized world.
The harmonization of economic development with environmental
protection requires new approaches to ecological ethics and culture that can
guide humanity toward sustainable development. This thesis explores the
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integration of national and universal ecological-ethical norms as a foundation
for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
The theoretical foundation for understanding ecological ethics and culture
has been established by numerous scholars across various disciplines.
Prominent philosophers such as E. Toffler, E. Giddens, S. Huntington, Z.
Brzezinski, and Uzbek scientist S. Otamurodov have examined the social
implications of global environmental problems in their works (Toffler, 2010;
Giddens, 2018; Huntington, 2004; Brzezinski, 1998; Otamurodov, 2008).
Otamurodov, in his work «Globalization and Nation» (2008), provides
valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by developing nations in
balancing national development with global environmental responsibilities. He
argues that «globalization processes involve certain states imposing their
customs, traditions, and moral values on the consciousness and hearts of others,
thereby spiritually impoverishing other nations and depriving them of their
identity» (Otamurodov, 2008, p. 46). This perspective highlights the need for
maintaining cultural autonomy while addressing global environmental concerns.
In the field of environmental ethics, Florov (1979) emphasized the
importance of integrating ecological values into human development
perspectives. His work «Perspectives of Man» addresses the philosophical
foundations of humanity's relationship with nature and argues for a
comprehensive approach to ecological ethics that transcends purely economic
considerations (Florov, 1979, pp. 110-111).
The legal framework for environmental protection has been analyzed by
Khabibulaev (1999), who identified key directions in environmental protection
policies. His research emphasizes the importance of comprehensive legal
foundations for implementing ecological ethical principles in practice.
Khabibulaev argues that «effective environmental protection cannot be
conceived apart from understanding the ecological consequences of scientific
and technological progress, their globalizing characteristics, and their spiritual
and moral essence» (Khabibulaev, 1999, p. 2).
The psychological dimensions of ecological ethics were explored by Stefan
Zweig in his analysis of Freud's work. Zweig notes that «the hour will come
when people will be more interested in the problems of the human soul than in
conquering cosmic space, and such a time is not so far away» (Zweig, 2000, p.
134). This perspective emphasizes the importance of spiritual and psychological
factors in addressing ecological challenges.
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Sanginov (1999) discusses the concept of sustainable development in the
context of Uzbekistan's environmental protection strategies. He notes that «the
current program for Uzbekistan is essentially a program for environmental
rehabilitation, which is perhaps the most important condition for the country's
transition to sustainable development» (Sanginov, 1999, p. 3). This highlights
the recognition of environmental protection as a prerequisite for sustainable
development.
The legislative framework for ecological protection in Uzbekistan includes
various laws such as «On Nature Protection», «On Water and Water Use», «On
Underground Resources», «On Protected Natural Territories», and «On
Protection and Use of the Animal World». These legal instruments serve as the
foundation for implementing ecological ethical principles in practice and
demonstrate the state's commitment to environmental protection (Khabibulaev,
1999).
The analysis of ecological ethics in the context of globalization reveals a
complex interplay between national values and universal principles. This
relationship is characterized by both complementarity and tension, particularly
in developing nations seeking to balance economic development with
environmental protection.
Our research indicates that ecological ethics is not merely a cultural
construct but rather a necessary component of sustainable development. The
integration of national and universal ecological-ethical norms occurs at multiple
levels:
1.
Uzbekistan has established a comprehensive legal framework for
environmental protection, including laws on nature protection, water use,
protected territories, and wildlife conservation. These legal instruments
incorporate both national priorities and international standards, creating a
hybrid approach to ecological governance.
2.
The formation of ecological consciousness requires the integration
of traditional values with modern scientific understanding. Our analysis shows
that environmental education programs in Uzbekistan increasingly incorporate
both national cultural values regarding nature and universal scientific
principles.
3.
At the personal level, ecological ethics manifests as a complex
interplay between culturally-specific attitudes toward nature and universal
concerns about environmental degradation. This psychological dimension
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requires special attention in developing effective environmental protection
strategies.
The research demonstrates that ecological culture serves as a crucial
mediating factor between environmental policies and their practical
implementation. Several key findings emerged:
Individual and societal ecological cultures are mutually reinforcing. Social
ecological values shape individual ecological consciousness, while individual
ecological culture contributes to the development of societal ecological thinking.
This reciprocal relationship creates a continuous cycle of influence and
development.
The ecological ethics and culture that developed during the 20th century
proved inadequate for preventing and addressing ecological catastrophes. This
inadequacy stems from their insufficient integration of traditional values with
modern scientific understanding and their failure to address the underlying
economic and political drivers of environmental degradation.
Effective ecological culture must integrate legal, educational, scientific, and
spiritual dimensions. Our analysis indicates that purely technocratic approaches
to environmental protection are insufficient without corresponding
development of ecological ethics and culture.
Our research indicates that these initiatives have contributed to
strengthening ecological consciousness and promoting sustainable development
practices in Uzbekistan. However, challenges remain in fully integrating
ecological ethics into all aspects of social and economic life, particularly in the
context of competing economic interests and the pressures of globalization.
The analysis of psychological factors influencing human relationships with
nature reveals complex motivational structures that must be addressed in
promoting ecological ethics:
1.
Individual participation in environmental protection is driven by
various motivations, including personal values, social norms, economic interests,
and cultural traditions. Understanding these motivational factors is essential for
developing effective environmental education and awareness programs.
2.
The research emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to
ecological ethics that addresses not only cognitive understanding but also
emotional and spiritual connections to nature. This approach recognizes that
ecological consciousness is shaped by both rational considerations and deeper
psychological and cultural factors.
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3.
The development of ecological culture requires a transformation of
values at both individual and societal levels. This transformation involves
recognizing the intrinsic value of nature beyond its utilitarian aspects and
understanding the interdependence of human well-being and environmental
health.
These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological
insights into environmental protection strategies and policies. By addressing the
underlying psychological factors that shape human-nature relationships, more
effective approaches to promoting ecological ethics and culture can be
developed.
The integration of national and universal ecological-ethical norms
represents a critical foundation for sustainable development in the era of
globalization. Based on our analysis, we offer the following conclusions and
recommendations:
1.
Ecological ethics serves as a moral compass guiding humanity from
environmentally destructive development paths toward progress based on
respecting and beautifying the natural environment. As global challenges
intensify, ecological ethics increasingly becomes a defining factor in shaping
both present and future human culture.
2.
The interdependence between society's and individuals' ecological
culture creates a continuous cycle of mutual influence. Ecological values
established in society shape individual ecological consciousness, while each
person's ecological culture contributes to elevating societal ecological thinking.
3.
The ecological ethics and culture developed in the 20th century
proved inadequate for preventing and addressing ecological catastrophes. The
21st century demands mobilization of humanity's full intellectual capacity and
potential to develop solutions for eliminating technological threats. This
represents a global challenge for humanity, science, and education.
4.
Preserving nature from ecological danger lies in human hands.
Therefore, forming individuals' ecological ethics and culture must be placed at
the core of all educational and training activities.
5.
Developing ecological ethics and culture must be viewed as a vitally
important issue for every citizen and society as a whole. From this perspective,
educational institutions' activities in this area need to be further strengthened.
6.
Efforts to elevate ecological consciousness and culture must involve
broad segments of the population, particularly mahalla institutions, families, and
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all members of society. This requires harmonizing modern perspectives with
national traditions and values.
7.
Uzbekistan should continue to actively participate in major
international environmental initiatives while developing nationally appropriate
approaches to environmental protection that reflect the country's unique
cultural and ecological context.
8.
Environmental education programs should be expanded at all levels
of the educational system, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with
modern scientific understanding to create a comprehensive approach to
ecological ethics.
9.
Legal frameworks for environmental protection should be
continuously updated and strengthened to address emerging ecological
challenges and ensure the effective implementation of ecological ethical
principles in practice.
The ecological crisis facing humanity requires a fundamental rethinking of
our relationship with the natural environment. By integrating national and
universal ecological-ethical norms, we can develop more effective approaches to
environmental protection and sustainable development that respect both
cultural diversity and universal principles of ecological responsibility.
References:
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Florov, I.F. (1979). Perspectives of Man. Moscow.
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