This information sheet focuses on Buddhist and Christian monastic communities because monasticism has been a characteristic feature of Buddhism and Christianity more so than of other mainstream faiths. Monastic communities have nurtured sacred natural sites for over 2000 miaka katika Asia, na kwa zaidi ya 1000 Miaka katika Amerika na Mashariki mwa Afrika, Mashariki ya Kati, na Ulaya. jumuiya ya kimonaki kutofautiana kutoka chache kwa watu binafsi mia chache (wanaume au wanawake) ambapo kanuni ya maisha kujitosheleza ni mkubwa. Hizi ni resilient, selforganized jamii ya kidemokrasia na athari kuendelea chanya katika hifadhi ya asili na usimamizi endelevu wa ardhi.