Conclusion

1It has been long established that social realities define the focus and direction of intellectual discourse. Similarly, it is right to say that ideas help to shape the spiritual and material conditions of society. The present environmental crisis has redirected the focus of every intellectual discourse. Sustainability has, therefore, become a multidisciplinary project. This essay is a defence of the relevance of philosophy in what has hitherto been seen as an affair of the natural sciences. The transformation of our values is expedient in African society in particular and throughout the world in general in order to attain sustainable development of the environment.

2The ethical approach to the issue of environmental sustenance is not new. What is novel here is the attempt to develop moral norms derived from African culture and apply them to the conservation of the environment in the continent. Our essay emphasizes that human-centred ethics need to be jettisoned for moral principles that acknowledge the interdependency of all species within the ecosystem. Humanity ought to embrace this ecocentric principle of ethics, not only because it is desirable for the ecocommunity, but also because it is in the interests of human beings themselves. Although ethics require human beings to carry out altruistic duties, the bottom line reveals that ultimately such duties protect the individual’s self-interests in contradistinction to selfish interests.

3The argument for an environmental ethic should appeal to the self interests of the peoples of Africa. A sustainable environment is in our interests both directly and indirectly. The reason why we are calling for a moral consideration for nature is, not only because the ecosystem ought to be preserved, but also because our own personal existence will be affected. In fact, an argument for the preservation of the natural resources for our successors, is a call to protect our personal interests, because one of the wishes of humans is to preserve their genes in their offspring and if the offspring have no chance of survival then their wishes will be negated.

4Finally, as Africans, familiar with our culture, we ought to know that the essence of morality is not only to enjoy a good life and attain social order. Ethics in Africa, according to Wande Abimbola (1975: 417) ‘transcends the time when the individual is on the earth. It goes beyond that period and includes the memories which a man leaves behind after his death’ African culture acknowledges that the essence of moral living is not only to enjoy the present but also to be able to translate after death into a good and worthy ancestor. Our cultures in Africa also recognize that our future does, not end with our death but continues with the future of our offspring. In summing up, it is evident from the arguments in this paper that environmental ethics is desirable in Africa not only because of our present welfare but also because of our future.