ABSTRACT
The introduction of sacred natural sites to the international arena more than a decade ago has led to major actions by the international community concerned with environmental conservation. Beginning with research pilot projects on sacred natural sites, and discussions about definitions, key conferences and workshops involving concerned stakeholders have also taken place in India, Mexico, China, Japan and Mongolia. These have helped to formulate the IUCN-UNESCO Guidelines for the Conservation and Management of Sacred Natural Sites. This chapter discusses inscription of sacred natural sites and landscapes within the regulatory framework of the World Heritage Convention and the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Despite legally protected area status, core areas of biosphere reserves are not always respected by local people, who are often compelled to revert to poaching or illegal logging even in the protected core areas so as to satisfy their immediate livelihood needs. In search for solutions this chapter outlines experience based on a UNESCO MAB research project in Ghana which studied sacred groves and the importance of sacred natural sites for biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods. The project employed an interdisciplinary approach for establishing baselines based on scientific knowledge of the natural world for the planning of restoration activities. These revealed higher biodiversity levels at the edges of sacred groves than inside the groves but also more birds, reptiles and mammals within the sacred groves than outside. Socio-cultural values and belief systems were also assessed in combination with the development of environmental educational programmes. Traditional beliefs regulating hunting activities helped to provide insight into traditional leadership enforcing the respect of responsibilities and taboos regarding the sacred groves. Income-generating activities beyond the confines of the sacred sites were developed in consultation with and for the benefit of local people. Because of their biodiversity values sacred natural sites can signal potential restoration sites for the elaboration of integrated conservation strategies. These should be supported by modern and legal instruments. The recognition of the importance of safeguarding sacred natural sites will not only serve the protection of species and the environment at large, but also the spiritual and qualitative well-being of humankind.
