Abstract
The sacred groves in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR) of India were studied to understand the concept of traditional ecological and biodiversity conservation systems. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the selected villages of the PBR along with the survey of sacred groves. In 10 selected villages of the PBR 7 sacred groves were managed by Mawasi and 16 sacred groves by Gond tribal communities. Different deities were worshipped in the sacred groves and each grove was named after the deity dwelling in the respective sacred grove. A total of 19 such deities were recorded during the survey worshipped by the local people. In study area, various traditional customs associated with sacred groves were in practice. The sacred groves were rich in plant genetic diversity and were composed of many ethnobotanically useful species, including wild edible fruits, medicinal plants, fodder, fuelwood and timber yielding species. Given the importance of conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem attempts should be made to maintain the sanctity of sacred groves.
Highlights
The indigenous communities still practice some cultural linkages between social and biophysical ecosystems
In 10 selected villages of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR) 7 sacred groves were managed by Mawasi and 16 sacred groves by Gond tribal communities
A total of 10 villages in buffer zone of PBR namely Sawarwani, Shahwan, Fatepur, Singhpur, Anhoni, Bandi, Deokoh Bodalkachhar, Khara and Taperwani were selected for intensive study of sacred groves and associated traditional biodiversity conservation knowledge
Summary
The indigenous communities still practice some cultural linkages between social and biophysical ecosystems. They have co-evolved with the surrounding environmental conditions and they have maintained it in a diverse and productive state on the basis of traditional practices and beliefs [1,2]. The various religious philosophies have contributed significantly in the conservation of forests, biodiversity and landscapes by promulgating customary norms, practices and beliefs. With the advent of commercial interests in the forests and biodiversity, in most parts of the world, the indigenous philosophy and practices including religious approach adopted by the local communities for conservation of biodiversity have generally overlooked [3]. Weakening of traditionally inherited conservation practices and dominance of commercial interests over the period of time have invited several irregularities and concerns in the conservation and management of natural resources
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