Sacred Natural Sites; Sources of Biocultural Diversity

In this issue the journal Langscape continues to explore the intangibles involved in the conservation of biocultural diversity, compassion, reverence and respect for life. The protection of sacred natural sites is very important for the biological, cultural, spiritual and economic crises facing our planet. The fourteen articles included in this edition combine traditional knowledge of indigenous cultures and scientific principles as a means of demonstrating that sacredness is present in the practice and conservation of global and local biocultural diversity.

Sacred natural sites are valuable sources of biocultural diversity and are found where human culture and nature have interacted for longest. The conservation of these places is complex, but essential if cultural and natural biodiversity and human welfare and life are to survive.