Conserving biodiversity through traditional beliefs in sacred groves in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

Anthwal, Ashish; Gupta, Nutan; Sharma, Archana; Anthwal, Smriti; Kim, Ki‐Hyun

doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2010.02.003

Cited by 96 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…There are many instances where communities control the excess use of resource by confining the approach to resources and enforcing compliance through religious belief, rituals, and social convention which at last result in biodiversity conservation in such communities. The roles of religious and cultural beliefs in protecting trees have been observed by other researchers also [1,12]. Species such as sacred fig (Ficus religiosa), mountain lion (Felis concolor), and southern pocket gopher (Thomomys umbrinus emotus) are protected by Hindus' taboo all across the Indian subcontinent [13].…”

Section: Taboos As a Means Of Plant And Animal Conservationmentioning

confidence: 83%

“…In rural areas of India like Garhwal (Uttarakhand), there are a number of plants, animals, and even lakes and rivers that are considered sacred and hence no felling or exploitation is being carried out. As a result of this consecration, different species of trees and animals that are economically important or threatened in other areas are preserved and can form a genetic reservoir and serve as a guide against extinction of these species [12]. For example, Dodital and Devariya Tal, two lakes in Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, are considered sacred, so fishing is completely restricted.…”

Section: Taboos As a Means Of Plant And Animal Conservationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Species of trees are worshipped as (1) manifestation of gods, (2) representatives of particular stars and planets, and (3) symbols of the natural elements (energy, water, land, and air), each of which has its own independent and rational meanings [12]. For example, in Garhwal Himalaya, Ficus religiosa is considered to be sacred.…”

Section: Taboos As a Means Of Plant And Animal Conservationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Vanishing of species due to different anthropogenic disturbances like alteration of natural habitats, excessive utilization, pollution, universal climate change, and invasion of nonnative species is so fast that many precious taxa may disappear even before they are documented and identified and their scientific value is discovered [7]. Many scholars have worked on conservation of sacred groves through sociocultural practices in different parts of India [1,12,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26].…”

Section: Present Status Of the Hd And Tn Sgsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sacred Groves: Myths, Beliefs, and Biodiversity Conservation—A Case Study from Western Himalaya, India

Singh

Youssouf

Malik

et al. 2017

International Journal of Ecology

103

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Religious and traditional beliefs, cultural mores, and practices play a crucial role in the conservation of environment and biodiversity. The present paper describes a case study of two sacred groves in Western Himalaya. Sacred groves (SGs) are patches of land that are communally protected with religious zeal. A preliminary survey was conducted in these SGs to study their role in biodiversity conservation. The data collected included the general information regarding the SGs and the associated deity, nearest human habitation, access to them, and their floral and faunal diversity. Ethnomedicinal property of plants was collected from the indigenous communities. Many taboos are associated with both the SGs, which help in managing resources well through ritual representation. Different festivals are organized, where the local communities reaffirm their commitment to the forest and the deity. Sacred groves, in general, are a valuable tool of biodiversity conservation. But people's changing attitudes, erosion of traditional beliefs, and human impact have caused degradation of sacred groves over the years. Their conservation would not be possible without the active participation of the local people. By improving their living standards and by giving benefits of conservation to them, long-term conservation goals in these SGs can be achieved.

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Section: Taboos As a Means Of Plant And Animal Conservationmentioning

confidence: 83%

Section: Taboos As a Means Of Plant And Animal Conservationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Taboos As a Means Of Plant And Animal Conservationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Present Status Of the Hd And Tn Sgsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Sacred Groves: Myths, Beliefs, and Biodiversity Conservation—A Case Study from Western Himalaya, India

Singh

Youssouf

Malik

et al. 2017

International Journal of Ecology

103

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, up to 80% of the world's population relies to some extent on forest resources such as medicinal plants for curing various diseases [13], and, at the same time, these resources have an intangible spiritual value [14,15]. Numerous studies have also revealed the importance of wild vegetal species in human nutrition-particularly in Africa [16][17][18], many of which may be endangered [19][20][21].…”

Section: The Erosion Of Biodiversity: Drivers and Concernsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives on Sustainable Resource Conservation in Community Nature Reserves: A Case Study from Senegal

Pacheco¹,

Fraixedas

Fernández‐Llamazares

et al. 2012

Sustainability

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Abstract:The coalescing of development and conservation has recently given rise to community-based conservation. Under this framework, sustainable livelihood strategies are incorporated into conservation goals on the basis that the integration of local priorities into management guidelines benefits rather than impedes conservation efforts. Consistent with this approach, the Community Nature Reserve of Dindéfélo in Kédougou, Senegal endeavors to protect biodiversity without jeopardizing local people's reliance on natural resources. In this article we provide evidence that sustainable resource conservation is a very powerful mechanism in redirecting labor and capital away from ecosystem-degrading activities. To do this, we present three examples of projects, aiming to illustrate different ways in which local people's management and sustainable use of natural resources can be beneficial in terms of biodiversity conservation, socioeconomic development, and human well-being. OPEN ACCESS

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Towards fairer conservation: Perspectives and ideas from early‐career researchers

et al. 2022

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The Black Lives Matter Movement, which gained unprecedented global momentum in mid‐2020, triggered critical reflection on systemic discrimination of disadvantaged groups across many domains of society. It prompted us, as early‐career researchers (ECRs) in conservation science, to examine our own awareness of ongoing injustices within our field, the role we play in perpetuating or countering these injustices, and how to move forward. Colonialist ideologies and power dynamics throughout the history of conservation practice and research have left a long‐lasting legacy of inequality and systemic racism. While improvements have been made, these legacies continue to influence teaching and practice today. In this perspective piece, we reflect on the impacts of conservation’s colonial past and how the sector has developed. We then explore how current traditional routes into conservation, and the dominance of these approaches, can leave ECRs underprepared to address modern‐day conservation issues due to a limited understanding of conservation’s history and key theories from other fields. We end by offering a set of suggestions encouraging others to learn and practise fairer and more inclusive conservation practices. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

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Conserving biodiversity through traditional beliefs in sacred groves in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

Cited by 96 publications

References 6 publications

Sacred Groves: Myths, Beliefs, and Biodiversity Conservation—A Case Study from Western Himalaya, India

Sacred Groves: Myths, Beliefs, and Biodiversity Conservation—A Case Study from Western Himalaya, India

Perspectives on Sustainable Resource Conservation in Community Nature Reserves: A Case Study from Senegal

Towards fairer conservation: Perspectives and ideas from early‐career researchers

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