ABSTRACT
One gap in securing sacred and monastic groves is their broad lack of respect and recognition beyond the locale. If all sacred and monastic groves of the world were respected, the world would achieve its protected area coverage, as all sacred groves, if respected and registered, are Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs). Governments would not have to appropriate more land and expend more funds on management which would further alienate rural people. I explore how sacred and monastic groves are formally respected and recognized, looking at examples of the sacred Kaya forests of the Mjikenda people of Kenya’s coast which are national monuments, or where religions own land with a monastic forest (e.g., in Europe, Ethiopia, and India), or where they are respected as part of a National Park (e.g., Ghana and Europe) or where they are ICCAs. I review how strengthening custodian rights and responsibilities in relation to sacred groves and certain trees based on FPIC (Free Prior Informed Consent) can be achieved. Suggestions are made on how groves can be secured for their custodians to enhance cultural identity, contribute to conservation outcomes, and how they are an important resource for community livelihoods.
