Can Spirituality Save Centuries-Old Trees and Forests? A Study from the Mountains of Northwest Greece

Sacred Natural Sites (SNS) in Greece's Epirus region, including centuries-old trees and forests linked to churches or villages, demonstrate the potential of spirituality to drive conservation. These sites, protected by local beliefs that deter timber extraction, provide critical ecosystem services such as disaster mitigation, water resource conservation, and conflict resolution. A study highlights their multifunctional role in socio-ecological systems, with some SNS, like those in Zagori and Konitsa, gaining UNESCO recognition for their intangible cultural heritage value. The research suggests that deeper appreciation of spirituality could enhance nature protection efforts by integrating traditional values with modern conservation strategies.

Stara, K., Tsiakiris, R., Wong, J. L. G., Healey, J., Marini Govigli, V., & Halley, J. M. (2025). Can Spirituality Save Centuries-Old Trees and Forests? A Study from the Mountains of Northwest Greece. Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.16995/zygon.11615