Applied Environmental Research Foundation
 
 
 
Sacred Groves are relic forest patches traditionally protected by communities in reverence of a deity. In absence of statutory protected areas and in the wake of mass deforestation in some parts of India, Sacred Groves form important repositories of forest biodiversity and provide refuge to many plant and animal species of conservation significance. India has well over 13,000 documented Sacred Groves.

Almost every village in the Sahaydri-Konkan region (north Western Ghats) has at least one Sacred Grove ranging from just a few acres to hundreds of acres. Together these groves created a network of patches within the landscape often connected by seed dispersing birds such as the Great Pied and the Malabar Pied Hornbills.

Sacred Groves are not only important sites for regional biodiversity but also provide vital ecosystem services to local people. Often streams and rivers originate from Sacred Groves or wells and tanks are seen within or near the groves which form important water source for the rural population.

These community forests harbor valuable biodiversity and are under tremendous pressure and threats such as encroachments for agriculture, grazing, developmental activities like roads, dams, canals, urbanization and industrialization.

Sacred Groves are also culturally important. Various cultural and religious festivals are often arranged by local people within the temples of the Sacred Groves. Vital decisions relevant to the forests and natural resources of the villages are also discussed within temples of the grove.
 
Programme Goals and Activities
+ To revive community interest in Sacred Groves
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To induce communities to take action towards protection, management and restoration of their Sacred Groves
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To design and develop community based programmes to ensure the long term survival of Sacred Groves in the north Western Ghats
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To understand the ecology and dynamics within and between forest fragments (Sacred Groves) and recommend management
 
The AERF uses a range of strategies for inducing communities to protect and manage their Sacred Groves

The Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) has championed its efforts towards the conservation and restoration of scared groves of the north Western Ghats for over a decade.

AERF has successfully revived the management of 12 Sacred Groves within the Sangameshwar block of Ratnagiri district.

Our achievements include:
+ Ecological restoration of 12 Sacred Groves covering an area of 37 ha
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Local communities voluntary build compound walls on 3 Sacred Groves to stop grazing and encroachments
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Three new tree nurseries set up with over 10000 saplings raised
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Populations of 3 red listed tree species secured within the 12 Sacred Groves and re-introduced into 6 new sites
+ 120 sacred new Sacred Groves surveyed and prioritized
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Awareness generation programmes in 20 schools throughout two districts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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