Routledge - Sacred Natural Sites: Conserving Nature and Culture

Sacred Natural Sites are the world's oldest protected places. This book by Routledge explores the deep connection between environment and tradition through a wide range of global examples. Readers can examine iconic locations and lesser known sites, including the sacred groves of the Western Ghats in India, the Golden Mountains of Altai in Russia, and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the UK. This work provides a detailed look at diverse landscapes such as Sagarmatha / Chomolongma (Mt Everest) across Nepal, Tibet, and China, as well as the sacred lakes of the Niger Delta in Nigeria. The text illustrates how these sites exist both within and outside of formally recognized protected areas and heritage sites. As many of these locations face modern threats, the book examines their role in environmental preservation. These sacred areas may serve as some of the last strongholds for biodiversity, making this an essential read for those interested in the intersection of nature and culture.