In India’s Western Ghats, sacred groves are better at growing future forests

In India’s Western Ghats, sacred groves are proving to be vital in preserving and regenerating forest ecosystems. Unlike national parks, these small, untouched patches of forest, protected by local communities for centuries, are thriving with some of the oldest and tallest trees. A recent study highlights that these groves are more effective at growing future forests due to their natural preservation and community stewardship. This is significant because it underscores the importance of traditional ecological knowledge and community-led conservation in biodiversity preservation.