An overview of cultural and spiritual values in ecosystem management and conservation strategies

This article aims to increase awareness of the importance of cultural perceptions within natural ecosystems and landscapes as means of developing and strengthening efficient, holistic and realistic management strategies. It analyses some of the precedents and most important international landmarks in the integration of cultural and spiritual values into nature conservation and ecosystem management.  Different ideas and indicators for evaluating management and monitoring mechanisms in sacred natural areas are presented. Examples from Australia, one of the most advanced countries in terms of the official recognition of sacred natural sites, are given. All the sacred Aboriginal sites discussed reveal the intimate relationship that exists between cultural and spiritual values and the identification and management of sacred natural sites.