Sacred Groves Research Articles

Exploring How to Construct Buddhist Temples in Sacred Forests: A Critical Ethnography in Northeast Thailand

Exploring How to Construct Buddhist Temples in Sacred Forests: A Critical Ethnography in Northeast Thailand

Discovery of a new Myristica swamp in the northern Western Ghats of India

Myristica swamps are one of the world’s unique freshwater ecosystems. In recent years there has been an increase in reports about their distribution along the Western Ghats. In this paper, we present a new distribution record for Myristica swamps in the northern part of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. The Myristica swamp is located within the Bhalandeshwar Sacred Grove of Kumbral Bagwadi, Dodamarg Maharastra, India. This forms the second report from the state of Maharastra. Frequent field visits were made to study and document the floral assemblage and biodiversity in the swamp from November 2023 to January 2024. The swamp is dominated by Myristica magnifica Bedd. and is part of a sacred grove protected by villagers due to religious beliefs. The second discovery of a Myristica swamp with a gap of just six years points out to the potential existence of more swamps in the region. Therefore, systematic surveys are needed to document undocumented swamps in various areas.

Traditional taboos: informal and invisible protection of remaining patches of forest in Vhembe District in Limpopo, South Africa

IntroductionSince 1990, there has been a global decline in forest areas. Between 2010 and 2020, the greatest annual net loss of forests was on the African continent. Despite South African indigenous forests and trees being protected under the National Forests Act of 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998), the country has also shown an increased annual net loss of forests. Although the Vhembe District Municipality in South Africa has lost forest owing to human-induced deforestation and other land use activities, sacred forests have not been affected. According to traditional beliefs, exploitation of such indigenous patches of sacred forests is taboo. This study aims to explore the role of taboos in the protection of the remaining patches of sacred forest.MethodsThe study relies on data collected between December 2022 and December 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants (n = 61) and local communities in Tshidzivhe and Duthuni villages (n = 60). Observations were used as a further data collection tool. The interview questions were prepared to assess the role of taboos in the protection and management of sacred forests. Data collected through interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis, while field observations helped to corroborate the results from the interviews. Results and discussionThe study identified two main taboos – one that restricts entry into the sacred forests (i.e. preventing entry into the sacred forests, and harvesting, hunting and hiking in these areas), and another that prohibits noise or activities that disrespect sacred forests. The study found that believers and non-believers alike, for fear of retribution by the spirits, still obey these taboos and their related myths. This has allowed these areas to develop dense stands of closed-canopy evergreen forest that support more diverse flora and fauna than found in surrounding areas. Although sacred forests are not meant for biodiversity conservation, they offer opportunities to be integrated into global conservation targets of “30x30” and “Half-Earth” by 2030. They also offer the opportunity of serving as carbon sinks which is key to climate change mitigation. Recommendations for protecting sacred forests and associated taboos are drawn up based on these results.

Eco-Theological Implications of Psalms 8 in The Context of Biodiversity Preservation and Field Hunting in Osun Groove

One of the prominent natural ecosystems in Nigeria that has attracted global attention with rich cultural, social, economical, political and religious relevance is Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. In spite of the rising global scholarly attention on eco-theology and biodiversity, there is still inadequate scientific research on eco-theological implications on Osun-Osogbo grove and biodiversity preservation in the light of Psalms 8. Thus, this study aims at assessing the implication of eco-theological implications of Psalms 8 in the context of biodiversity preservation and field hunting in Osun-Osogbo grove, Osogbo, Osun State. The study employed historical and exegetical analyses using secondary sources of data. The pioneering work of Jürgen Moltmann serves as the theoretical basis of the study. The grove is regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility, Osun, one of the pantheon of the Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honor of Osun and other deities. Osun-Osogbo Festival has attracted a lot of tourists to the grove contributing to the economic growth of the state. Plant, trees and animal species are gradually decreasing; thus, some flora and fauna are endangered. In the context of Psalms 8, biodiversity preservation needs to be enabled as it was observed that encroachment into the grove from the buffer zone as well as uncurbed daily activities along the road are beginning to have negative effect on the rich ecotourism potentials that are being conserved. Conclusively, the grove remains an integral part of the cosmological system needed to be governed by man and not man be governed by it.

Feathers and faith: Sacred groves of semi-arid landscapes hold distinct avian richness and composition in Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India

Sacred groves have long been recognised for their critical role in biodiversity conservation, but research on their importance in avian conservation is limited. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of bird diversity, richness, and abundance within sacred groves and their surrounding areas in the semi-arid landscape of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. We made 120 point counts (60 sacred groves and 60 random points) to record birds from March 2023 to July 2023. Our results revealed a greater number of bird species (n = 114) within sacred groves than random points (n = 100), including several species of global conservation concern. The species diversity remained consistent, while variations in species richness and abundance was observed. Moreover, we found that the overall composition of birds’ feeding guilds was similar in both groups. We observed noteworthy differences in the abundance of frugivores, granivores, insectivores, and omnivores. Species and guild-level abundance exhibited an even distribution. Species richness in both type of sites predominantly attributed to species turnover. Feeding guilds and bird species had varying associations to environmental variables. Our findings recommend the immediate protection of these sacred areas for bird conservation.

Comparable biodiversity and demographic structure between sacred groves and protected forests with Dipterocarpus hasseltii reveal conservation value of customary forests in Bali, Indonesia

Comparable biodiversity and demographic structure between sacred groves and protected forests with Dipterocarpus hasseltii reveal conservation value of customary forests in Bali, Indonesia

Floristics and indigenous knowledge of agro-climatically diverse Sacred groves of central Kerala

The study aimed to identify and document indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants in the selected sacred groves of central Kerala using the typical ethnobotanical approach and record the information. A pre-structured questionnaire survey and quantitative analysis were carried out to record the medicinal plants and to determine the ailments categories. In this study, 141 species belonging to 129 genera and 63 families were recorded from the highland sacred grove Amaran Kavu, and 198 species belonging to 176 genera and 75 families were recorded from the lowland grove Nagampoozhimana Kavu. Habit-wise analysis of the flora showed that trees are the dominant forms (37.58%) in the highland hilly grove, while herbs dominate (36.86%) in the coastal grove. The ethno-floristic survey revealed a total of 102 species of medicinal plants belonging to 90 genera and 50 families. The significance of the plant species was quantified by using family use value, use value index, and informant consensus factor. The highest family use value index (FUV) was reported in the families Piperaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae, etc. and the maximum Use Value (1) was reported in Curcuma longa L. and Ocimum basilicum L., which are the high use valued species among the community and Use Value Index (UVI) ranges from 0.05-1. The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value ranged from 0.93 to 0 and the greatest value (0.93) was obtained for postnatal care, earache (0.92), migraine, and headache (0.9). The present study reveals that the indigenous people living around the sacred groves depend on the plant species for their health care. However, proper management is required for the conservation of sacred groves through sustainable utilization of medicinal plants occurring in the groves.

Sacred forests in the Western Highlands Cameroon: What benefits for local population and nature?

The sacred forests of the Western Highlands Cameroon are, like other forests, a reserve of plants and genes, both known and unknown. They are privileged places for communication with ancestors. They provide significant environmental and socio-economic benefits; despite the pressure they are increasingly coming under. The aim of this study is to categorise the different uses of the sacred forests of Bafou, Baleveng and Bamendou, and then to assess the carbon stock of the woody plants in these forests. A survey form was used to record the various benefits derived by local people from the sacred forests. Individuals were counted in 30 m x 100 m plots. All individuals with a diameter ≥5 cm at 1.30 m above ground were considered. Carbon sequestered by forests was estimated using the non-destructive method. The study shows that the traditional laws protecting these forests are increasingly being violated by local people. These forests are cultural properties for the village and provide the local population with a variety of products. The most frequently cited uses are firewood, food products, medicinal plants and sacrifices. A total of 54 species, 47 genera and 29 families have been identified. Of these species, around 40.35% are used in one way or another by local people. The values of carbon sequestered by these forests vary from one forest to another and according to the type of equation chosen. The Bamendou sacred forest recorded the highest value, 443.9 t C /ha and 287.79 t C /ha respectively, using the equations of Djomo et al. (2010) and Fayolle (2013). This work presents the benefits of sacred forests for local populations. Management strategies for these forests should be strengthened by the State to ensure more sustainable conservation of this rich heritage.

Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, Gangtok

Sikkim Himalayas are well-known for their rich wealth of flora and fauna. Many edible, economic and ornamental plants are found in and around Gangtok. Sacred groves of Rumtek, Enchey and Deorah are nature reserves around Buddhist Monasteries. Naturalists have visited these areas since the days of Hooker (1848) and collected beautiful orchids for cultivation. As many as 600 species of orchids were described from Sikkim by King&Pantling (1898) whereas Bruhl (1926) provided a guide to identify these beautiful orchids in nature.Gangtok or the "Hilltop", situated on the ridge with deep gorges of Ranichu in the West and Rorochu in the East ranges from 1675 to 1860 m. The Enchey monastery near tourist lodge, the deer park near Secretariat and the Institute Tibetology near Chuten attract visitors.

Conservation of Sacred Groves of Rajasthan through Folkloric Beliefs

Sacred groves or sacred woods are groves of trees, related to traditional, religious & cultural beliefs & these areas are dedicated to local deities & ancestor spirits. They can be found as a section of a forest. They are excellent illustrations of in-situ conservation. These groves, which are around the nation in villages & cities, plains, and mountain areas, represent a priceless genetic diversity that helps to preserve our environment in many ways. Many extinct species that could have perished otherwise have been saved because of these virgin forest regions. Besides protecting biological diversity, the entire ecosystem aids in water & soil conservation. In the case of Rajasthan, sacred woods can be considered as one of the preservers of priceless ancient religious practices & traditional beliefs. Therefore, sacred forests offer humanity certain crucial ecological functions. In recent times, drastic changes around the globe have also impacted both religious practices and biological integrity. The destruction of the historic heritage has several causes, some of which need to be investigated, including changes in social beliefs, modernity, and the eroding of cultural practices. It becomes important to spread awareness of the management and conservation of various ecosystem services as well as to suggest management and conservation as an alternative strategy for the sustainability of forestry around human settlements.

Fissidens Pokhrensis Nork. – A New Record to Kerala

The Fissidentaceae is one of the moss families with the genus Fissidens. A species of Fissidens viz., F. pokhrensis has been collected from the Neeliyarkottam sacred grove of Kannur District, which is a new record to the moss flora of Kerala. Sacred groves remain neglected in the study of bryoflora.

Motivation towards Conserving a Rich Forest Biodiversity

This research study interrogated the benefits that accrued to the Kaya Forest-neighbouring communities as the key motivator in the sustainable conservation of forests. While forests are threatened by deforestation and degradation worldwide due to the overemphasis of their direct economic benefits, socio-cultural considerations have in some cases, protected this rich ecosystem. A case study carried out in Kaya Forests of the Kwale County, Kenya has shown that intangible benefits, not considered in the direct harvest of forests, could be used to reverse the trend in the loss of forests. Data collected questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observations has shown this to be the case. The findings of the study were such that sacred forests offered more benefits than the other forms of forests, and that there was equity in the sharing of these benefits among community members in this category. The study however, revealed that for sustainable conservation efforts, it was prudent to consider both the economic and social benefits of this resource as a whole. Consequently, the study is recommending the need to identify and repackage such benefits and to sensitize the community on the benefits that accrue from such arrangement.

Traditional Environmental Governance and Sacred Grooves: A Case Study of the Law Lyngdoh Nonglait Sacred Forest in Meghalaya

Traditional Environmental Governance and Sacred Grooves: A Case Study of the Law Lyngdoh Nonglait Sacred Forest in Meghalaya

Diversity of insect fauna in three selected sacred groves of Murshidabad District, West Bengal, India

Diversity of insect fauna in three selected sacred groves of Murshidabad District, West Bengal, India

Urban sacred forests support human well-being through cultural ecosystem services

PurposeSacred forests are biocultural landscapes deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions of spiritual veneration. These sacred sites, including shrines, temple forests churches and graveyards, have historically been significant reservoirs of traditional resource management practices underpinned by spiritual reverence. However, despite their cultural and ecological importance, the cultural ecosystem services inherent to these sacred forests remain unexplored, particularly in urban settings.Design/methodology/approachThis study focused on six sacred sites within Kanazawa City, Japan, using a meticulous face-to-face survey with 342 participants. We collected data on the extent of forest utilisation, the breadth of activities engaged in by visitors and their holistic appraisal of the rendered cultural ecosystem services. The findings illustrate the multifaceted benefits of urban sacred forests, encompassing participation in religious ceremonies, cultural events and festivals, complemented by educational programming that elucidates the historical and traditional underpinnings of the shrines and their surrounding communities.FindingsIt has been observed that urban forests have a crucial role in providing spiritual and communal connectivity, preserving traditional heritage, offering vital aesthetic values as green spaces and making visitors connected with nature while they are in the urban landscape. However, a concerning trend has emerged, as the younger demographic appears to lack interest in participating in the stewardship and cultural activities associated with these biocultural landscapes. Community engagement strategies must be strengthened, conservation measures should be implemented and cultural awareness programs need to be established to ensure the perpetuation and appreciation of these valuable urban sacred forests.Originality/valueThis study provides original perspectives on the measurable cultural ecosystem services and intangible values associated with urban sacred forests using the sacred forests in Kanazawa City, Japan. Our research illuminates the various advantages that visitors derive by examining the intersection of spiritual traditions, resource management practices and cultural significance, which has been relatively unexplored. The present study provides a significant basis for establishing initiatives that seek to promote the cultivation of respect and responsibility towards urban sacred forests.

Prospects and Challenges of Tourism Industry in Meghalaya- Socio-Geographical Approach

The paper discussed prospects and challenges of tourism industry in Meghalaya. It has found that tourism industry is growing in Meghalaya. It benefits on employment creation, income generation, revenue, foreign exchange, infrastructure building etc. Meghalaya is known for natural beauty, lush greenery, and hills. There are opportunities of ecotourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and agri-tourism. It is rich in flora and fauna, heritage and traditions, culture, wildlife etc. Travellers can involve in rock climbing, water sports, caving, trekking, and hiking. Meghalaya has numerous travel attractions for tourists. Seven Sisters Falls, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Elephant Falls, Mawsynram, Cherrapunji, Dawki River, Laitlum Canyon, Living Root Bridges, Umiam Lake and Nohakalikai Falls are the popular tourist destinations. Abysmal infrastructure, lack of alternatives means of transport, boundary issues, poor connectivity, ethnic conflicts, are the major challenges. Therefore, Government should implement proper policies for the mitigating the constrains and development of tourism in the state

The Sacred Groves of the Serpent Gods: ‘Sarpakavus’ of Kerala as Indigenous Ecology

The worship of nature and natural entities has a rich and profound history in most ancient cultures that thrived on the planet. However, as civilizations advanced with technological and scientific innovations, the interconnectedness between nature and human beings gradually declined, and mankind separated itself from its natural habitats. But in many cultures across the world, communities still embody pantheistic traditions, thus showing a sustainable way of living with nature to the rest of the world. This paper explores the tradition of serpent worship and the practice of maintaining sacred groves known as ‘sarpakavus’ in the South Indian state of Kerala. ‘Sarpakavu’, translated as ‘the sacred grove of serpent gods’, are small but dense pockets of biodiversity that are believed to be the abode of serpent gods. Beyond cultural significance, these groves serve as hotspots of ecological diversity. This research delves into the cultural, ecological, and performative aspects of serpent worship within these spaces. focusing on the elaborate rituals of performance and worship associated with the serpent deities, the paper positions ‘sarpakavus’ (sacred serpent groves) of Kerala as an example of indigenous ecology that shows a model of a symbiotic way of living with nature. As Kerala is currently undergoing a rapid urbanization process of building highways, railways, and ports, this research highlights the need to protect and conserve the tradition of maintaining the existing ‘sarpakavus’ and their importance in sustaining the ecological balance of the region.

The preservation of old forests in southwest China is closely linked to the presence of ethnic minorities

Sacred forests are increasingly disappearing due to increasing land pressure and a decline in cultural values. Protecting the remaining sacred forests plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity. The existence of remaining old forests often related to local people and their culture, but this relationship has rarely been quantified at large regional scales. This study analyzes the relationship between old forest and ethnic minorities based on the location of the old forest at a high spatial resolution (2 m). We found a significantly positive correlation (p < 0.01) between the proportion of ethnic minority population and old forest patch number, area, aggregation, and maximum patch area. However, there was no correlation with the connectivity of the old forest (p = 0.14). We further show that both environmental and anthropogenic factors are important for the distribution of old forests. Hydrothermal conditions contribute to the growth of forests, and local ethnic customs and the corresponding ecological wisdom contributes to the preservation of old forest remnants (r = 0.12, p < 0.05). Our findings highlight the significance of social dimensions for the conservation of old forests. We encourage that forest management should consider the role of indigenous people and their cultural wisdom for a better conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems.

‘The Trees are the Clothes of the Church’: Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church-Forests as Spiritual Spaces of Resilience against Climate Change?

In times of ecological crises, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church-forests are, as many suggest, sacred spaces of resilience and restoration. The need for community forest management and sustainable use of natural resources is said to be based on an ‘eco-theology of Edenic forests’ so, we ask, What can be said about conceptually defined entanglements between the theological perspective on so-called forest-churches and the ecologically oriented perspective that applies to so-called church-forests? What is the history and the present self-understanding of this phenomenon? Does it have a global dimension? How does a sacred text like Śənä Fəṭrät, with its theocentric theology and its reference to biblical testimony, create ‘sacred spaces’ in nature? The socio-ethical dimension of these church-forests is of high concern. For this, with an interdisciplinary focus, I refer to results given by existing research on the interrelations of oriental-orthodox theology, including its miaphysite Christology. Such an understanding includes reference to church architecture, biology, sociology, and on forestry in those areas of forest-churches. So we want to understand the specific religious and cultural significance of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church-forests. The relevance of these unique sacred groves cannot easily be compared to examples in other religions. But we may at least draw conclusions from other forms of Christianity and religiosity and their interpretation of common biblical and dogmatic traditions referring to the ‘creation of God’.

Changing Livelihoods, Development, and Cultural Practices: Reshaping Forests Among the Tau Taa Vana People

The Tau Taa Vana people live in the Bulang Highlands, Tojo Una-Una, in Central Sulawesi Province. The region's development has shaped the marginalization of forest-dwelling and forest-adjacent communities. From the 1980s to the 1990s, illegal logging networks served as the power holders, backed by Indonesia’s authoritarian regime of that time. Illegal logging destroyed a large part of the Tau Taa Vana's sacred forest (pengale kapali). As part of the massive logging agenda, the government launched many legal programs that further isolated the Tau Taa Vana people from their land. The first program was transmigration in 1995-1998, which converted sacred forests into plantation areas and worker camps. Meanwhile, the Tau Taa Vana people were forced to relocate from their forest livelihoods (pengale lipu). In 2014, development shifted towards government-supported gold and nickel extraction identified in the Tau Taa Vana people's traditional regions. The government's planned material extraction of the region has forced the Tau Taa Vana people to adapt traditional environmental management systems. In the past, the forest had three main functions, as the source of food, medicine, and livelihoods. Nowadays, those functions are reduced drastically and the sacred forest with the Kaju Marangka'a region as the center has lost its cultural importance. Tau Taa Vana people today use the remaining forests as the center of their resistance movements and consider it as their last bastion for cultural preservation. In this regard, the role of traditional healers (tau valia) has become even more critical amidst the lack of traditional elders.