Sacred Forests in the 21st Century

For centuries, Devrais or sacred groves have been protected by faith. These patches of pristine forest, dedicated to local deities, are living repositories of biodiversity. However, the pressures of development and changing social norms are eroding these traditional protections. Our Sacred Grove Documentation project is a race against time. Using a blend of traditional ecological knowledge from village elders and modern tools like GPS mapping and drone imagery, we are creating a comprehensive record of these vital ecosystems. This article explores the cultural significance of sacred groves, showcases the stunning biodiversity they harbor, and discusses the legal pathways we are pursuing to grant them permanent protection.