Importance of sacred grove in ecosystem services

Sacred natural sites (popularly known as Sacred Groves) are places preserved in the name of God bycommunity people. Their spatial extent ranges from single / clustered trees to hundred hectares. Thisancient tradition of nature conservation is widely recognized nowadays as a successful model ofsustainable resource management in a democratic manner.

Sacred natural sites (popularly known as Sacred Groves) are places preserved in the name of God bycommunity people. Their spatial extent ranges from single / clustered trees to hundred hectares. Thisancient tradition of nature conservation is widely recognized nowadays as a successful model ofsustainable resource management in a democratic manner.

PROVISIONING SERVICES

§ Freshwater supply§ Soil fertility§ NTFP (Medicinal plants, fruits etc.)§ Fuel wood

REGULATING SERVICES

§ Regulation of hydrological flows (runoff control, soil water infiltration, groundwater recharge)

§ Mitigation of natural hazard(Flood prevention, landslide reduction, soil erosion control, fire control)

§ Carbon sequestration

SUPPORTING SERVICES

IN ADDITION TO SOIL FORMATION, NUTRIENT CYCLING AND PRIMARY PRODUCTION -

CULTURAL AND AMENITY SERVICES

§ Religious and cultural tradition§ Ethnic identity

Sacred Grove: A Glimpse of the Traditional Sacred Grove: A Glimpse of the Traditional HumanHuman--Nature RelationshipsNature Relationships

Threats

AND PRIMARY PRODUCTION -§ Water conservation§ Favourable microclimate for flora and fauna§ Pollination and seed dispersal

§ Ethnic identity§ Landscape aesthetics§ Research and education

Supporting services

Biodiversity conservation

Provisioning services

Cultural and amenity services

Ecosystem goods and services provided by sacred grove system

Water Conservation Carbon sequestration

Pollination Germination

Cultural Tradition Landscape aesthetics Research Work

Conservation measures

ThreatsThis age old system is under different levels of threat nowadays. Threats could be human induced or natural but it affects grove’s ecological integritythus questioning its existence in the landscape.

MAJOR THREATS ARE –

• Land use change (agricultural expansion/plantation)• Negligence in management• Changing social-religious practices• Conflict of interest among stakeholders

This age old system is under different levels of threat nowadays. Threats could be human induced or natural but it affects grove’s ecological integritythus questioning its existence in the landscape.

MAJOR THREATS ARE –

• Land use change (agricultural expansion/plantation)• Negligence in management• Changing social-religious practices• Conflict of interest among stakeholders

CONSERVATION OF SACRED GROVES

Conservation activities on Sacred grove have been increased manifold nowadays. Governmentagencies, researchers and conservationists recognize the importance of these protected patchesboth from ecological and social perspectives. Some major steps are –

§ Documentation and awareness generation§ Scientifically sound restoration / improvement strategies§ Control on exploitation of natural resources§ Formulate regulations for developmental activities in and around the groves

CONSERVATION OF SACRED GROVES

Conservation activities on Sacred grove have been increased manifold nowadays. Governmentagencies, researchers and conservationists recognize the importance of these protected patchesboth from ecological and social perspectives. Some major steps are –

§ Documentation and awareness generation§ Scientifically sound restoration / improvement strategies§ Control on exploitation of natural resources§ Formulate regulations for developmental activities in and around the groves

Construction activities Tree felling Plantation

Credit: Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES], Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560 012, India