Archive

Conservation Experience: Conserving the sacred groves of the Western Ghats, India.

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The Sacred Natural Sites Initiative regularly features “Conservation Experiences” of custodians, protected area managers, scientists and others. This post features the experiences of Ms. Archana Godbole who is the Director of the Applied Environmental Research Foundation based in Pune India.  AERF has been working in the Western Ghats for nearly two decades recuperating its acred […]

Join the Celebrations of the New Cycle of the Mayan Calendar

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The Sacred Natural Sites Initiative is humbled to have been invited to lend its support to the National Council of Mayan Elders and Spiritual Leaders, Oxlajuj Ajpop. Especially so, as it’s efforts go towards supporting the celebrations of renewing the cycle of the Mayan Calendar. This celebration is to be held in over 20 sacred natural […]

Conservation Experience: The Sacred Groves of Zagori, Epirus, Greece.

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The Sacred Natural Sites Initiative regularly features “Conservation Experiences” of custodians, protected area managers, scientists and others. This article features the experiences of Ms. Kaliopi Stara who studies excommunicated forests and sacred groves in Greece. Kalipi Stara, with the University University of Ioannina is currently leading post doctoral research on locally adapted conservation systems in […]

Japanese translation of the “IUCN UNESCO Sacred Natural Sites Guidelines” launched.

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The Japanese section of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas Japanese recently and proudly launched their translation of the “IUCN-UNESCO Sacred Natural Sites Guidelines”. The launch happened late last month at the conference of parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity.  It was part of a series of events that highlighted the role of […]

Conservation Experience: The Enduring influence of Lindisfarne Holy Island, UK.

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The Sacred Natural Site Initiative regularly features “Conservation Experiences” of custodians, protected area managers, scientists and other’s. This time we are featuring the experience of Mr. Robert Wild who has developed a case study on Lindisfarne Holy Island as part of the Delos Initiative. Robert is a social scientist, ecologist and also coordinator for the Sacred […]

Launch of the spiritual, social and scientific celebrations of the new cycle of the Mayan Calendar in natural and constructed sacred sites.

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With the permission of the grandmothers and grandfathers we carry this message to the national and international community...

Conservation Experience: Karakol Sacred Valley, Altai

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Mount Uch Enmek is traditionally called the ‘navel’ of the Earth. The earth is believed to receive vital energy and knowledge through this navel in the same way as a foetus receives nourishment in the mother’s womb. The natural peculiarity of the Karakol valley surrounding Mount Uch Enmek, bordering the Golden Mountains of Altai, lies […]

Sign the petition in support of Winnemem Wintu Tribe’s right to hold ceremony.

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CHIEF SISK’S CITATIONS HAVE BEEN DISMISSED The Winnemem Wintu Tribe received confirmation that the U.S. Attorney has dismissed the citations Chief Caleen Sisk received for holding our Coming of Age ceremony. Hee chala baskin! Thank you for your support! In a bizarre situation the United States Forest Department (USFD) has issued charges against Chief Caleen Sisk […]

Sacred Natural Sites at the Convention on Biological Diversity’s COP11 in Hyderabad India.

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Sacred natural sites harbor significant amounts of biodiversity and play a key role in maintaining traditional knowledge related to culture and nature. The CBD has long recognised the importance of sacred natural sites and contributed to raising awareness and improving recognition of policy makers on this subject. See for example the Akwé Kon Guidelines outlining […]

Sacred Natural Sites Custodians at the IUCN World Conservation Congress

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The Sacred Natural Site Initiative (as part of IUCN CSVPA), Gaia Foundation, Sacred Land Film Project & UNU-Traditional Knowledge Initiative are organizing several activities for a group of sacred natural sites custodians at the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC). The WCC in South Korea, Jeju Island in September 2012 presents an ideal opportunity to further […]