Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 19;19(3):1067. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031067.
Scholarly discourse on sacred natural sites (SNS) has focused on ecological significance, associated impacts and traditional practices as the instruments of resource governance and management. As a result, little scholarship has examined the role of spirits in governing and managing SNS; these are inhabited by deities or , commonly known as nature spirits. This study aims to provide evidence of the importance of governance by spirits as a prerequisite for protecting biophysical resources. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observation. The respondents were selected through a purposive sampling approach. The author also attended a funeral that was held at one of the SNS discussed in this article. The collected data were analysed through a thematic content analysis. The study shows that, for biodiversity to be protected, there should be a good relationship between humankind and the spirits. The spirits place behavioural demands on humankind involving the performance of rituals. Ritual behaviour empowers the spirits to be placed as owner of SNS and to guard against intruders. In return, humankind receives blessings, protection, patronage and governance. The governance by spirits is complemented by traditional practices. I conclude that governance by spirits should be recognised both locally and internationally.
学术文献对圣地的讨论主要集中在生态意义、相关影响以及传统实践上，这些是资源治理和管理的手段。因此，很少有学术研究探讨神灵在管理圣地方面的作用；这些圣地居住着神灵或通常被称为自然神灵。本研究旨在提供证据证明神灵治理的重要性，这是保护生物物理资源的前提。数据通过半结构化访谈和观察收集。受访者通过目的性抽样方法选择。作者还参加了在本文讨论的圣地之一举行的葬礼。通过主题内容分析对收集的数据进行分析。研究表明，为了保护生物多样性，人类与神灵之间应该建立良好的关系。神灵对人类提出行为要求，包括进行仪式。仪式行为赋予神灵作为圣地所有者的权力，并防止入侵者。作为回报，人类会得到祝福、保护、赞助和治理。神灵治理与传统实践相辅相成。我得出结论，应该在地方和国际上承认神灵治理。
