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Understanding sacred natural sites
An information paper explaining the basics.

K John, Rio Grande and Sacred Pumpkin Hill,
Jamaica.

    The Sacred Natural Sites Initiative works with custodians, traditional knowledge holders, conservationists, academics and others in support of the conservation and revitalisation of sacred natural sites and territories.

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    Consultation
    A dedicated Sacred Natural Site Initiative is in the initial stages of emerging out of 13 years of work of the IUCN Specialist Group on the Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas. The first step is to initiate a consultation period to seek ideas and support for this initiative. Should you be interested in getting involved beforehand or you have important information to bring to our attention please contact us.
    Survey
    If you are a protected area (PA) manager, a conservation professional, a custodian or guardian of a Sacred Natural Site, a community person, a scientist or a decision maker working with Sacred Natural Sites you can help improve the guidelines by completing this survey.

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    Sites
    Sacred Natural Sites are areas of rich and diverse nature that have special spiritual significance to individuals and to communities. They occur across the globe in all countries and across different ecological systems and cultural beliefs. This initiative is continuously building an archive of example sites and cases studies.

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