The Diversity of Sacred Lands in Europe - IUCN

Complementary points
In addition to the points captured in
the Statement, other pertinent points
were discussed and they are worth
adding to the conclusions of the meeting
complementing the Statement
above.
Theoretical issues
The workshop participants confirmed
that SNSs – in their broader sense – are
places, both historical and contemporary,
that express the spiritual, cultural
and natural diversity of life and form an
integral part of the cultural identity of
many human communities and societies
in Europe, as elsewhere.
Thus, the message of religious traditions
and wisdom that foster a deep,
meaningful, and lasting bond with nature
and carry out respectful practices
on nature conservation and sustainable
environmental management must be
understood and more widely disseminated.
In addition, when applicable, the
concepts of animal spirits, totemic species
and other significant species (with
their identity and symbolism) should be
taken into account in the study, planning
and management of SNSs.
It should be also noted that attitudes of
deep respect for nature conservation
in Christianity are linked in many regions
to the outstanding example set
up by holy people, like St Francis of
Assisi in Southern Europe and Middle
East, St Cuthbert in England, St Patrick
in Ireland, St Seraphim of Sarov in Russia,
etc. The attempts to formulate a
nature conservation theology – such as
those from Celtic Christianity, based on
the example of Celtic nature saints, for
instance in the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
– are very important.
On the other hand, significant differences
exist within religions or with
SNSs of previous religions and spiritual
traditions, as well as their practices in
relation to the environment and nature
conservation. These can be seen as
opportunities for developing more effective
approaches for conserving
threatened SNS. Additionally, the reconciliation
between faiths and religions
that have been in conflict is of utmost
importance, especially in SNSs where
there has been conflicts among different
religions or spiritual traditions.
It should be also noted that there is difficulty
in distinguishing between cultural
and spiritual aspects of natural sites,
as they often coexist. Often, cultural
aspects are easier to identify, while
spiritual ones are more elusive. Thus,
the Sámi people are more comfortable
in speaking about their cultural traditions
than about their beliefs.
Role and conservation of sacred
natural sites
Recognition of SNS may help in building
up a wider constituency for nature
conservation and filling gaps in protected
area systems. Protected areas,
SNSs and other well-conserved natural
features and landscapes contribute to
human wellbeing, mental and physical
health, by providing serene and beautiful
places where people can slow
down, and experience peace, harmo-
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