Since long before conservation laws existed, forests have been protected by the community's tradition and spirituality. Forests are considered sacred places so they cannot be disturbed, or something bad will happen.
These beliefs continue today in Southeast Asia, thriving against unsustainable development and human greediness. Reflecting how the environment's ecosystem and landscape can be guarded by keeping it mystical.
1. Bunong People Protecting Cambodia's Forest
Cambodia's Indigenous Bunong community relies a lot on forests for their life. Since childhood, they grew fond of nature. The forest is sacred to them and has a big value for their physical and spiritual life.
Forests provide them with food, protect them from disasters, and are the home of their ancestors. They also see animals as ecosystems, not only resources for food. The community conducts forest patrol twice a month and works to prevent illegal logging and land grabbing.
2. Tree Ordination, Thailand
Thailand’s forests © Pixabay
To protect it from loggers, a ceremony was held to symbolically ordain a tree as a monk. The tree then should be respected and not harmed, just like how Buddhist monks are honored. The ceremony is performed when people wish to protect the forest's biodiversity against deforestation.
Harming or cutting ordained trees is a serious offense, equal to killing a monk. People should avoid it if they don't want to get bad karma. These beliefs are effective in preserving forests as sacred places. As a result, the flora continues to grow beautifully.
3. Protected Forest in Karenni State, Myanmar
The ethnic community in Karenni State has a traditional system of forest conservation and management. The forest is part of their identity and culture. In their belief, every natural element has its own spirit.
According to their customary forest laws, tree cutting and logging are only allowed for traditional festivals, firewood, and building houses. Exploitation and excessive use of forest resources are prohibited, applying sustainability rules. They keep the forest as a sacred place and believe protecting it will bring prosperity to the community.
4. Forbidden Forest in Cireundeu, Indonesia
Forest river © Pixabay
The Indigenous community of Cireundeu has three types of forest: forbidden forest, replanted forest, and agricultural forest. Tree cutting and logging are strictly prohibited in the forbidden forest. Trees in replanted forests can be logged, but replacement planting is required. While agricultural forest is used for community farming.
Their traditional and cultural forest management supports conservation and protects biodiversity. Through these practices, the forest can continue to sustain the ecosystem and local community.
Featuring Traditional Knowledge in Today's Conservation
The forest is actually a sacred area that can't be disturbed unsustainably. Excessive use of its resources can damage its function as a water and oxygen source, as well as carbon storage. Something bad will happen if the traditional law that is similar to conservation law is violated, because of the impact of forest degradation.
Traditional knowledge can add strength to conservation efforts. People need to be reminded about humans' connection to the environment, including forests. Preserving its culture and landscape can help protect both heritage and habitat for future generations.
References:
- https://cimahikota.go.id/index.php/artikel/detail/1139-mengenal-kampung-adat-cireundeu
- https://everland.earth/voice/meet-preng-soksari-the-bunong-community-leader-protecting-cambodias-forests/
- https://th.boell.org/en/2023/07/20/ethnic-karenni-protect-their-forests-based-customary-beliefs
- https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/culture_heritage/tree-ordination-preserving-nature-through-spiritual-connection/
