Review of Sacred Groves in Major Countries: Problems and Prospects

Sacred groves, ancient forest refuges protected by cultural and spiritual taboos, serve as critical biodiversity hotspots globally. A recent review highlights their ecological and cultural significance across five major countries—Mexico, China, Japan, Nigeria, and India—while addressing pressing threats such as urbanization, exploitation, and climate change. The study synthesizes secondary sources from 2020 to 2025, revealing that these groves, such as Nigeria's Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, act as vital refugia for endangered species and heritage preservation. It identifies opportunities for hybrid indigenous-scientific management and policy integration with frameworks like the IUCN's criteria for sacred natural areas, advocating for community-led ecotourism to align sacred groves with sustainable development goals. This approach could protect a substantial portion of global biodiversity hotspots under traditional stewardship, offering a resilient model for conservation in the Anthropocene.

Dr. Namdev Shamrao Adnaik, D. N. S., & Shinde, B. S. (2025). Review of Sacred Groves in Major Countries: Problems and Prospects. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17920289