CVNI supports Delos Initiative with Dhimurru case study

IUCN, through the Task Force on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of the World Commission on Protected Areas, works to support the protection of sacred sites of indigenous and traditional peoples, as well of sacred and holy lands of religious and faith groups of the world. For this purpose, the Task Force created programmes such as CVNI and The Delos Initiative, a programme named after an island with important cultural and spiritual values for the Greek civilization.

The second workshop of the Delos initiative took place in Greece near Mount Athos  on 24-28 October 2007, a World Heritage Site and one of the most renowned cultural and natural places on Earth, where spiritual and natural values have worked together for many centuries to model a unique landscape with high biodiversity and cultural values.

At the meeting, experiences from Mount Athos, Jabal Lâ’lam în Morocco, the San Francisco Peaks of California, Mani San Mount in Korea, Solovetsky Islands of Russia, Foreste Casentinesi of Italy, Dhimurru in northern Australia,  Poblet in Catalonia, Spain, and the Chryssopigi Monastery in Crete, Greece, are examined. Based on such experiences, the group discusses options to strengthen protection of such areas and other similar places, and explores what role IUCN and the conservation community can play.

CVNI in collaboration with Dhimurru had prepared a case study on the management experiences gained by Dhimurru with their sacred lands and sacred sites. Assited by Dhimurru’s Senior Cultural Advisor Mawalan Marika and Northern Teritories’ Parks and Wildlife Officer Phil Wise, Bas Verschuuren of CVNI prepared a comprehensive article and powerpoint presentation. The presentation was well received and lead to deepening of discussion and insights on the management of sacred natural sights which were compiled in the Ouranopolis agreement.

For further reading:26 Oct 07 DELOS 2 Workshop - IUCN’s work to protect sacred lands