Don’t you feel that the importance of nature and how we treat our surroundings has grown to prominence exponentially over the last few years? Maybe it took a long time, but we are finally more cognizant of the natural habitat engulfing us and corroborating our existence on Earth.
But several social groups all over the world have preserved forests out of respect for nature for centuries now!
Sacred Forests: An Overview
As per research, it is believed that sacred forests are known to have religious significance for the Indian community. These forest patches are shielded against all adversities and are a safe haven for a series of plants and animals. Plus, Hughes & Chandra states the existence of sacred forests in parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia, to name a few.
While sacred forests are a place of worship for many communities and tribes worldwide, in parts of Afghanistan, people consider it a historical as well as geographical tradition to conserve these abundantly green spaces.
So, why are sacred forests held in such high regard? Let us explore the benefits that these forests bring with them and why they must be preserved.
1. Socio-Cultural Importance
Sacred forests are deeply rooted in religious beliefs and traditional cultural values that matter to humankind. They are said to have been left as it is for centuries, mainly because local inhabitants believe that these forests and groves are the harbingers of profuse biodiversity.
Every element of these unhindered forests - from the sacred mountains to the sacred lakes - mean a great deal and have been there for ages because of their humane value.
The socio-cultural importance also consists of psychological and educational aspects. With such staunch faith in the religious values of sacred forests, these places have turned out to provide a lot of moral support for their people. They have also qualified to become excellent educational sites for research and teaching.
2. Ecological Importance
We have all been stressed about the depleting forest covers around the world. But sacred forests have still managed to restore some greenery and natural habitat.
Several sacred sites and patches have earned special protected status, prohibiting any human interference such as hunting and deforestation. They have been left untouched by individuals as a sign of respect for the religious values of various communities.
As such, these forests and groves have offered various ecological advantages to protect our planet - from keeping the ecosystem thriving to boosting soil conservation and fertility. They also propagate the maintenance of nutrient cycles, which would otherwise be a concern because of the other depleting forest covers.
On top of all that, sacred woods ensure that we are surrounded by lush greenery, adding to the scenic beauty of the location.
3. Biological Importance
Sacred forests can give birth to certain mini biosphere reserves. This is because of the extensive conservation and the ability to protect these forests that ensure greenery in abundance.
There's a wide variety of floras that are present in these sacred forests. While some yield medicinal properties, some are rare timber and wood-yielding plants. A stretch of rare, threatened, and endemic species are also present who do not face any outrageous dismissal in this section of biodiversity.
Conclusion
It has been well established that eco-conscious individuals experience a sense of belonging and connections with nature through these sacred forests. They believe that protecting these would reflect certain religious faith and belief encapsulating the true meaning of biodiversity.
The existence of sacred mountains and forests and the efforts taken by various communities to conserve them urge us all to do our bit to protect the environment.
