The Florida Nature & Culture Center (FNCC), a retreat founded by Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) in 1996, has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lawsuit seeks to stop construction of a reservoir and pumping station near its property in Weston, Florida, just north of Miami, citing potential violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
The FNCC spans 48 acres, including a 16-acre wetland conservation area, and serves as a hub for SGI-USA members to engage in Nichiren Buddhist practices, which emphasize harmony with the natural environment. According to the complaint filed Dec. 30, the planned construction would disrupt the peaceful retreat setting, which is an integral part of its members’ religious activities.
“A central attribute of FNCC retreats is that they take place in the serene and peaceful solitude of FNCC,” the lawsuit states. The center “has since been maintained and used exclusively for that purpose.” (South Florida Solar Sentinel)
The contested C-11 reservoir project is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) authorized by Congress in 2000 to mitigate water loss from the Everglades and benefit endangered species. The project involves a 405-acre reservoir and a seven-story pumping station near FNCC property. While CERP is intended to support Everglades conservation, FNCC has alleged that the project’s design neglects its impact on adjacent communities.
SGI-USA Vice President of Public Affairs Renu Debozi said the Corps has ignored their concerns since 2007: “Having no other choice, we decided to file a lawsuit to force the Corps to…. . . evaluate and consider the impacts of the C-11 Retention Project on adjacent properties such as FNCC, including consideration of alternatives that mitigate the impacts of the project” (Religion News Service)
The lawsuit claims that construction would produce noise, vibrations and foul odors, degrade air quality and disrupt local wildlife, potentially causing damage to FNCC property and sacred spaces. The complaint also claims that changes in groundwater levels could destabilize the retreat’s buildings and wetlands.
The SGI-USA lawsuit claims the Corps failed to adequately assess the environmental and religious impacts of the project, in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. The group has requested a court-ordered halt to construction until a revised environmental impact study is completed.
“Reciting mantras to harmonize with one’s environment (including the natural environment) and awakening to the inseparability of life and the environment are fundamental principles of Nichiren Buddhism,” the lawsuit states. “Naturally, such principles and practices make a peaceful natural environment a priority for SGI and a goal of the religious practices of Nichiren Buddhist members.” (Religious Press Service)
A Corps spokesman declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
Founded in 1930 in Japan, Soka Gakkai International has grown into a global Buddhist organization with more than 100 members in the United States alone. Known for its teachings on individual happiness and peace, the group promotes dialogue and nonviolence. The FNCC, founded as a spiritual retreat, has played a key role in promoting these values among its members.
Despite its legal challenges, the FNCC remains committed to preserving its tranquil environment. SGI-USA engineers have highlighted potential risks posed by construction, including property damage and disruption of outdoor religious activities.
The lawsuit highlights tensions between environmental conservation efforts and religious freedoms, raising broader questions about the balance between large-scale infrastructure projects and the rights of affected communities.
See more
Buddhist group says military's Everglades project violates religious freedom (Religion News Service)
Florida Buddhist Group Sues Army Corps Over Water Project (1) (Bloomberg Law)
Buddhist group files lawsuit to delay Everglades project, says Army Corps ignoring impact on Weston retirement (South Florida Solar Sentinel)
Florida Nature and Cultural Center
Florida Nature & Culture Center 2024 Conference Program (World Tribune)
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The article Soka Gakkai USA sues military body over Everglades conservation project appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.
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