The Florida Nature & Culture Center (FNCC), a retreat established by the Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) in 1996, has filed a federal lawsuit against the US Army Corps of Engineers. The legal action seeks to halt the construction of a reservoir and pump 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 hectares, including a 16-hectare 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 lawsuit filed on 30 December, the planned construction would disrupt the retreat’s peaceful surroundings, which are integral to its members’ religious activities.

“A central attribute of the FNCC retreats is that they are held in the serene and peaceful solitude of the FNCC,” the lawsuit states. The center “has since been maintained and utilized exclusively for this purpose.” (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The contested C-11 Impoundment 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-hectare reservoir and a seven-story pump station near FNCC’s property. While the CERP is aimed at supporting Everglades conservation, the FNCC has alleged that the project’s design overlooks its impact on adjacent communities.

SGI-USA’s vice president of public relations, Renu Debozi, stated that the Corps has disregarded their concerns since 2007: “Left with no other choice, we decided to file a lawsuit to force the Corps to . . . evaluate and consider the consequences of the C-11 Impoundment Project on adjacent properties like the 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 noxious odors, degrade air quality, and disrupt local wildlife, potentially causing harm to FNCC’s property and sacred spaces. The complaint also argues that changes to groundwater levels could destabilize the retreat’s buildings and wetlands.

The SGI-USA’s lawsuit contends that the Corps failed to adequately assess the project’s environmental and religious impacts, violating 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 statement is conducted.

“The recitation of mantras aiming to harmonize oneself with one’s environment (including the natural environment) and awaken to the inseparability of life and the environment are core tenets of Nichiren Buddhism,” the lawsuit states. “Naturally, such tenets and practices make a peaceful natural environment a priority for SGI and a goal of the religious practices of Nichiren Buddhist members.” (Religion News Service)

A spokesperson for the Corps declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

Founded in 1930 in Japan, the Soka Gakkai International has grown into a global Buddhist organization with more than 100,000 members in the US alone. Known for its teachings on individual happiness and peace, the group promotes dialogue and nonviolence. The FNCC, established as a spiritual retreat, has played a key role in fostering these values among its members.

Despite its legal challenges, the FNCC remains dedicated to preserving its tranquil environment. SGI-USA’s engineers have highlighted potential risks posed by the construction, including property damage and disruption to outdoor religious activities.

The lawsuit underscores 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 Army Corps’ Everglades project violates religious freedom (Religion News Service)
Florida Buddhist Group Sues Army Corps Over Water Project (1) (Bloomberg Law)
Buddhist group sues to delay Everglades project, says Army Corps ignores impact on Weston retreat (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Florida Nature and Culture Center
2024 Florida Nature & Culture Center Conference Schedule (World Tribune)

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