Environment Sacred Groves

SACRED GROVES :ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE & CONSERVATION CHALLENGES

Sacred groves are community-protected patches of natural vegetation preserved due to religious and cultural beliefs, representing one of India’s oldest traditions of conservation. Found across diverse ecological regions, these landscapes act as biodiversity refuges, support groundwater recharge, prevent soil erosion, and help regulate local microclimates. They also serve as ecological corridors and genetic reservoirs for rare and endemic species. However, sacred groves are increasingly threatened by declining cultural practices, land encroachment, infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and the lack of proper mapping and legal recognition. Strengthening community rights under the Forest Rights Act, recognising them as Community Reserves or OECMs, and integrating traditional knowledge into modern conservation frameworks can enhance their role in biodiversity protection and climate resilience.