Conservation of natural resources through religion: A case study from Central Himalaya

This study explores es the method early settlers in the Central Himalayan r egion used to develop/adopt an indigenous system for conservation of biores ources. Most of the commonly used tree species were protected/planted in sa cred groves. All protected species were located within the boundaries of wo rship points in village settlements. Today the "protected resource" does no t enjoy the same status outside the boundary of the temple or worship point . Thus, it appears that early settlers established these religious points a s in situ germplasm preservation/collection centers to conserve natural res ources, sustain the daily requirement of villagers, and provide the "elite" stock material for multiplication. This innovative and intelligent practic e has been an effective means of conservation, in total harmony with the en vironment, and seems to have persisted through generations.