A symbiotic relationship exists between biological diversity and cultural diversity, and this relationship constitutes a determining factor in ensuring sustainable human development. Religious beliefs and rituals (such an invariable part of the cultural milieu) are very much inter-linked and intimately related to management of the ecosystems. Religion forwards the conservation of natural biodiversity in several different ways. The first is by providing ethical and social models for living respectfully with nature. For most cultures, religion is a primary means of defining right and wrong. Since nature has spiritual powers, it commands respect and is included in the religious code of morality and etiquette by all religions, even though they may differ in their ways and means. These ethical beliefs and religious values influence our behaviour towards others, including our relationship with all creatures and plant life. Lately, such beliefs and customs are being treated with disdain and defined with a singular term-superstition. Under such circumstances, religious values that acted as sanctions against environmental destruction do not retain a high priority and become displaced by economic factors. This paper is an attempt to document the different codes and ethics enshrined within the major world religions (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism) that have an inherent role towards the conservation of nature as a whole. The paper ends with a cautious note, that religion, rather than being declared obnoxious, needs to be reinterpreted to suit the secular premises of social living and thus has to be respected for its role towards the conservation of the vital linkages that sustain the very life on this planet.
Yar tsa Gumba, the local name for Cordyceps sinensis, is an entomophilus fungus in the order Hypocreales and family Scolecosporaceae, found primarily in alpine and subalpine regions, from 3200 to 4000 m asl. The fungus is parasitic on caterpillars, primarily those in the genus Hepialus. Studies on Cordyceps sinensis indicate that the fungus may improve liver function, reduce cholesterol, adjust protein metabolism, inhibit lung carcinoma and treat aging disorders. In the last five years, since it was found in parts of Garhwal and Kumaun Himalaya, massive exploitation has occurred, leading to a drastic decrease in wild populations. This paper presents results of an exploration carried out on the fungus at several important sites, the mode of trafficking and suggested policy initiative for its sustainable exploitation.
Legal notification of protected area status follows enforcement which, by and large, curtails resource use and means of livelihood, apart from affecting the sociocultural value system of the local communities, leading to park-reserve-people conflicts. These conflicts are major threats to biodiversity conservation in developing countries and call for changes in conventional strategies for conservation planning and management. The attempts to involve local communities in protected area management usually fail when initiated and directed by outsiders. This paper deals with the present concept of protected area management and focuses on some of the fundamental issues related to indigenous peoples. It offers principles and options which may be followed towards resolving the conflicts arising out of such issues.
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