The cultural and spiritual significance of nature in protected areas management and governance.

10/10/2025
14:00 - 16:00
Virtual Channel 4 , Online only
Session with interpretation

Why attend

In this session we explore how new tools and methods can assist with making the cultural and spiritual significance of nature play an important role in the management and governance of protected and conserved areas. Participants get acquainted with IUCN guidance, apply this to a case and discuss their experiences.

Session Description

In this session we explore tools and methods for making the management and governance of protected areas more inclusive of the cultural and spiritual values of nature.
First, we look at how to understand and assess the cultural and spiritual significance of nature from different cultural and religious perspectives. We explore how and what types of values affect protected areas and what groups of people are involved.
Second, we focus on the IUCN Best Practice Guidelines for developing approaches to include the cultural and spiritual significance of nature in management and governance. Participants will explore their own conservation areas using the guidance and, tools offered to them.
Third, we engage in meaningful discussion based on the participants experiences with applying the methods and guidelines to their own case study. Ultimately, we learn more about the learning needs different people have and what might be needed to meet those needs.