Enhancing Ecosystem Services of Commons by Participatory Conservation and Development Approach

Abstract

"Detailed account of sacred groves, their present status, role and contribution in enhancing ecosystem services is discussed in this communication. Applied Environmental Research Foundation(AERF ) has been engaged in participatory conservation of sacred groves in western coastal districts of Ratnagiri & Sindhudurg in Maharashtra (India) for last eight years. Attempt has been made to understand the nature of ecosystem services sacred groves provide today and role of these commons as well as their management to make the stronger conservation appeal."