CSVPA Steering Group co-lead Bas has had a new publication out which CSVPA visitors may find of interest: Asian Sacred Natural Sites: Philosophy and Practice in Protected Areas and Conservation. The volume is edited by Bas Verschuuren and Naoya Furuta and published by
Routledge.
Nature conservation planning tends to be driven by models based on Western norms and science, but these may not represent the cultural, philosophical and religious contexts of much of Asia. This book provides a new perspective on the topic of sacred natural sites and cultural heritage by linking Asian cultures, religions and worldviews with contemporary conservation practices and approaches. The chapters focus on the modern significance of sacred natural sites in Asian protected areas with reference, where appropriate, to an Asian philosophy of protected areas. Drawn from over 20 different countries, the book covers examples of sacred natural sites from all of IUCN’s protected area categories and governance types. The authors demonstrate the challenges faced to maintain culture and support spiritual and religious governance and management structures in the face of strong modernisation across Asia. Summary thanks to The Forum on Religion and Ecology September 2016 Newsletter.
