Summary
In 2017, the Gaia Foundation and the African Biodiversity Network worked with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to create a resolution to recognize sacred sites, territories, and their customary governance systems, as contributing to the protection of humans. The resolution recognized that sacred natural sites often harbor rich biodiversity contributing to connectivity, resilience, and adaptability of valuable landscapes and ecosystems. The resolution states, “States Parties, civil society, businesses and other stakeholders concerned to recognize and respect the intrinsic value of sacred natural sites and territories.”