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Urban Ecosystems
Published in: Urban Ecosystems 3/2017

05-12-2016

Urban sacred natural sites – a call for research

Authors: Wendy Jackson, Alison Ormsby

Published in: Urban Ecosystems | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Urban sacred natural sites are not well documented or understood as potential repositories of biological diversity or as critical components of local and indigenous tradition and cultural patrimony in urban areas. Virtually all research and activity on sacred natural sites thus far has focused on sites in non-urban areas, and most interest in sacred sites in urban areas has been on human-built heritage and structures. Minimal attention has been given to sacred natural sites that are in urban areas. These urban sacred natural sites may be connected to mainstream religions, or may exist where cities have developed on indigenous land and associated sacred sites. Given the lack of systematic study of urban sacred natural sites, we recommend further research, including: undertaking inventories; assessing biological features and their possible contributions to conservation; assessing the possible contribution of these sites to wider strategies; examining possible management and protection options; and promoting linkages to relevant global initiatives.
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Metadata
Title
Urban sacred natural sites – a call for research
Authors
Wendy Jackson
Alison Ormsby
Publication date
05-12-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Urban Ecosystems / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1083-8155
Electronic ISSN: 1573-1642
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-016-0623-4

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