A little more about this project
Sacred Earth Trust is protecting forest areas by identifying and documenting ‘sacred groves’.
Background
The nature-worshiping Bishnoi communities of Rajasthan and animistic tribes of Arunachal are some examples of communities that have existed in every state of India for thousands of years, protecting forest areas called sacred groves.
Although no comprehensive surveys have been conducted on this, these sacred forests are estimated to be nearly 100,000 - 1,50,000 in number. Of these, only 14,000 have been identified.
These fragments of old-growth forests often act as a last refuge for biodiversity, including rare and endangered wildlife species like tigers, various deer species, black bears, Indian rock pythons and Egyptian vultures. They also hold a rich diversity of plants, some of which are used for medicinal purposes.
The current situation
Today’s ecological crisis also extends to sacred forests, which are rapidly disappearing due to various human activities like agriculture and urbanisation.
For instance, the Kadamb tree grove in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh was once part of a large dense forest and deeply revered by locals; today, only an acre remains, surrounded by agricultural fields.
How Sacred Earth Trust is working on this
Sacred Earth Trust has developed a multi-pronged approach towards the conservation of India’s sacred groves, which involves:
Documenting sacred forest lands across priority areas (identified based on various parameters such as presence of ecologically important and threatened species, willingness of the community, ecological diversity etc) in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
Conducting detailed ecological and socio-economic studies on these areas
Working with local communities to obtain government recognition of these areas for their long-term protection. This takes shape in various forms such as being recognised as Biodiversity Sites, OEMs (other effective area-based conservation measures) and Community Reserves, as some examples.
Regenerating selected areas of degraded forests through Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR), a method that involves active planting and passive restoration, by eliminating barriers and threats to growth.
Reviving and strengthening the spiritual connection between communities and nature, via awareness programs, while documenting their beliefs associated with the groves via phytosociological studies and community perception surveys.
Creating a directory of documented groves from these priority areas.
Sacred Earth Trust sees these sacred groves as vital living green spaces that must be conserved. Both because they hold endangered wildlife residents - but are also an intrinsic part of our country’s rich history.
Their contribution to the G20’s policy recommendations
A G20 Working Group focused on Sustainable and Resilient Communities invited Sacred Earth Trust to give their inputs on how sacred groves can play a critical role in environmental preservation, community resilience, and education, to support the global goals around climate and sustainability. Their inputs were formally incorporated into the final policy recommendations.
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