Cultural Values, Spirituality & Perceptions

The resources found on this page share a focus on the importance of sacred natural sites and the cultures, religions and/or communities to whom they are significant. These natural places, recognized as sacred by indigenous and local communities, provide a sense of deep connection between people and nature. Dating back hundreds of years in many cases, these locations serve as sites of remembrance and spirituality, and are often home to rich and diverse flora and fauna.

Information regarding the protection and preservation of these sites, comparative governance systems, conflict arising through competition for resource use and/or authority over resource management, as well as the social-cultural values imbued within these landscapes is presented with perspectives from sites in Mozambique, Brazil, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Mexico and Canada. Traditional use and access rights are emphasized through several of the cases shared on this page, along with numerous local accounts, observations and perceptions gathered through interviews and collaboration with traditional leaders and community members.

Key Themes:

Governance, Rights & Conflict, Places & Spaces, Indigenous Issues, Engagement, Education & Empowerment

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