VII. Indigenous Ecosystem Restoration Practices in the Himalayas

Sacred groves, traditional ecosystems conserved through socio-cultural practices, are an integral part of biodiversity and cultural heritage. However, they are rapidly declining in number and area due to various socio-cultural and ecological challenges. The migration of younger generations to urban areas for education and employment disrupts intergenerational knowledge transfer, weakening efforts to restore and manage these groves. This shift has led to the erosion of socio-cultural practices, the foundation of grove conservation. Additionally, native plant-dominated groves face threats from alien and invasive species, further reducing their ecological value. To address these issues, it is essential to prioritize the prevention of grove degradation alongside conservation. Regular monitoring, removal of invasive species, and the reintroduction of native trees through planting or seed broadcasting are critical steps. Strengthening community involvement and fostering awareness among younger generations are equally vital for preserving the ecological and cultural significance of sacred groves.

Sacred ecology is a living breathing cultural aspect in most Asian countries and especially so in India. Indigenous ecosystem conservation practices in India includes a wide range of activities in its rural and urban landscape often intertwined with cultural and religious practices the benefits of which are unknown to the youth. Most of these eco system conservation practices are viewed through the religious & spiritual lens and often, their value in providing ecological services is overlooked. This paper intends to initiate a dialogue to promote a holistic outlook towards multifarious indigenous eco system conservation practices in India like the sacred groves, sacred trees, step wells, star forests, the consumption of 10 herbal leaves during the monsoon, worship of certain animals and plants, along with the many taboos associated with these practices. Attached to these practices are the many taboos which have in many cases contributed to the ecosystem conservation.

Understanding the cultural beliefs and practices of indigenous people associated with management of natural resources not only helps in preserving cultural beliefs but also in formulating management policies. The objective of this study was to document the cultural ecosystem services of belief systems associated with ten sacred groves in the Kandhamal district in Odisha, India. Odisha has 37% of its land under forest cover, is home to 62 ethnic tribes, and has about two thousand small sacred groves distributed mostly in tribal districts of the state. The Kandhamal district is the homeland of the Kandha peoples. Field research documented the sizes, cultural traditions, management, and challenges facing the ten study site sacred groves.  Understanding the cultural ecosystem services associated with such groves is crucial in formulating strategies to preserve them in the long run.

Medicinal plants, found in high-altitude regions, have played crucial role in traditional medicine systems. There use ranges from enhancing vitality and cognitive function for treating respiratory and digestive conditions. Knowledge of these plants, passed down through generations, underscores deep connection between indigenous peoples and their natural environment. Gurez, is a valley located in higher altitude of Himalayas. At about 13,185 ft above sea level,  valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Has diverse fauna and wildlife. Artemisia maritima is European species of Wormwood  as sea wormwood, is bitter tonic and aromatic. Made use of by country people for intermittent fever, as insect repellent instead of the true Wormwood. Plant is source of the Sesquiterpenoid Santonin. Plant is used for treatment of digestive issues, respiratory ailments, and mild sedative to ease anxiety or promote relaxation. Leaves employed in smudging rituals, its scent was believed to purify spaces and protect against negative energies.

Heritage forests represent landscape paradigms of integrated biodiversity conservation and cultural preservation. Bhutan initiated management of Heritage forests (HF) within the locally conserved sacred sites that harmonized socio-ecological well-being through customary practices and religious beliefs. These socio-religious institutions safeguarded ethno-biological heritage and promoted biodiversity conservation stewardship, but many are endangered due to developmental transformations, over exploitation of natural resources, and transgenerational gaps. Eco-cultural explorations of HF are understudied but emerging in Bhutan.

Biodiversity assessment of three HF was studied with nearby SRF as control sites in the cold temperate coniferous ecosystem. Three communities under Ura showcased slight differences in traditional management practices. Socio-culturally protected HF supported globally threatened and culturally concerning local biodiversity species within Phrumsengla National Park. This research provided baseline information on biological diversity assessment within HF while understanding the importance of heritage forests for ethno-biodiversity conservation in Bhutan and beyond.