I. INTRODUCTION Sacred forests, often referred to as sacred groves, are sites that have cultural and religious beliefs. Since time immemorial indigenous communities all over the world have always worshiped nature and inherited from their ancestors. These patches or sections of a forest were believed to have spiritual beings residing there, and where everyday activities such as tree felling, gathering of wood, plants and leaves, hunting fishing, grazing of domestic animals, harvesting of crops, and building ordinary dwellings were prohibited (Hughes and Swan 1986). Sacred groves are distributed across many countries extending from Asia, Africa, Europe and America,but the present occurrence is mostly restricted in Africa and Asia. In India, sacred groves are recorded from North-east Himalayan region, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Coastal region; Central Indian Plateau and Western desert (Rajasri Ray). A diverse range of ecosystems are preserved in grove tradition along with its regional and local identities as represented in name, practices and management of groves. Sacred groves of India have Pre-Vedic origin. This age old tradition is still prevalent today and plays a vital role in the conservation of resources. They not only have cultural and spiritual value, but also act as reservoirs of the local diversity preserving unique flora and fauna. The level of disturbance varies across many sacred groves and from their proximity to villages. These groves also act as corridors and can reduce human wildlife interaction. The groves play an important role in water and soil conservation as well. The earliest documentation in India on sacred groves is that of Brandis (1897), the first Inspector General of Forest. His observation on scared groves is more of a travelogue. The Scared Groves are known locally by many names in each state across India. In Kodagu, located in Karnataka, India the sacred groves are known as “Devarakadu” (Gods forest). Kodugu district in Karnataka has 1,214 sacred groves covering an area of 2,250 (ha) with every village in Kodugu having at least one devarakadu or more than one in some cases (Kushalappa & Kushalappa 1996). In terms of density there is one Devarakadu for every 300 acres, possibly the highest in the world. The uniqueness of the grove is that each devarakadu has its own traditions and culture showcasing the cultural diversity. According to a study done, Kodagu can be regarded as a “Hotspot” of sacred grove tradition in the world (Kushallappa and Bhagwat, 2001.) All communities come together, offer their prayers and participate in the annual activities. This community participation symbolizes unity and harmony. Today, the sacred groves face many threats such as change in religious beliefs, forest structure, landscape and attitudes towards the groves. Hence, it is vital to motivate and include the community in preserving the sacred groves as common property resources (Kushalappa & S. Raghavendra, 2012). In Kodagu the sacred groves are declared as Protected Forests and owned by the Forest Department. The groves are managed by the local communities. Incorporating the groves into conservation networks could help in the effectiveness of protected areas by covering a wider variety of habitats and by harnessing the support of local people. (Shonil A. Bhagwat, 1996). II. METHODOLOGY A. Inventory The Sacred groves of Virajpettaluk of Kodagu were selected for the study and to execute the conservation education program. Ten sacred groves were selected from the Virajpet Taluk which was at variable distances from the protected area and from one another. Coffee plantations are predominating, Proceedings of the International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the 191 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Proceedings of International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals : Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016 at the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
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