Sacred Forests of the World

with Alison Ormsby

Saturday, November 7  |  1 – 3 pm

BRN – Elective

This class will explore the biological and cultural aspects of areas around the world that are conserved due to local beliefs and traditions.  Sacred natural sites include forests, mountains, and springs that have cultural significance.  Some sites also have taboos on use of species within the areas, which serves a conservation function.  Most are not government-protected lands; rather, are managed by local committees, caretakers and/or religious leaders. Specific examples and research from India, Ghana, and Sierra Leone will be shared. Participants will discuss possible connections to forests in Western North Carolina.

Alison Ormsby has a PhD in Environmental Studies and is a human ecologist with 30 years of experience working with people and protected areas, environmental education, and sacred natural sites. Alison publishes topics that relate to the interaction of people and nature, including sustainable communities, wildlife policy, citizen science, sustainable tourism, and ethnobotany.  Her research focuses on conservation of sacred forests globally.

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