Custodians

Custodians of Sacred Natural Sites bear unique responsibilities within local, indigenous and religious communities. They are guardians of biological diversity and knowledgeable about healing, livestock breeding, plant diversification, agricultural and natural cycles. They play a vital role in the governance of their community and their relationship to the earth. Before all, many custodians are shamans, monks, ascetics, religious and spiritual leaders and keepers of unique cultural and spiritual wisdom and traditions. They maintain resilient and sustainable human relationships with the earth.
Danil Mamyev, Park Director and Standing Stone, Uch Enmeck Ethno?Nature Park, Karakol Sacred Valley, Altai Republic Russian Federation. (Photo: R.Wild, 2011.)