Exciting news! The Routledge Handbook of Cultural Ecosystem Services is now available for preorder, and we are honored to have contributed to this important volume. This comprehensive book explores how cultural and spiritual connections to nature shape conservation, community well-being, and environmental policy.
Edited by esteemed scholars Pam McElwee, Katie Allen, Rachelle Gould, Chia-Wei Hsu, and Sungbin He, this handbook brings together diverse experts to examine Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES)—the non-material benefits that people derive from nature. By acknowledging these deep human-nature ties, this book offers a holistic perspective on conservation that goes beyond ecological and economic values.
Bridging Conservation and Culture
Conservation efforts often prioritize ecological health and species protection, yet they frequently overlook the cultural and spiritual relationships that communities have with nature. Our chapter challenges this traditional paradigm by centering the voices of local and Indigenous communities who have stewarded wildlife for generations.
This chapter builds upon co-created research (currently submitted for publication), developed in partnership with conservationists, community leaders, and Indigenous knowledge holders. Through case studies from India, Central Asia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond, we explore how communities are leading conservation efforts grounded in their cultural and spiritual traditions.
Key Themes of Our Chapter:
✅ Multiple Ways of Knowing – Integrating Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK) with conservation science
✅ Cultural Keystone Species – Recognizing species that hold deep ancestral and spiritual significance
✅ Ancestral & Spiritual Ties to Wildlife – Understanding how these connections inspire conservation action
✅ Inclusive Community Ownership – Ensuring that conservation is led by and benefits local people
These principles, developed through real-world case studies, demonstrate how conservation can be more inclusive, just, and effective when it honors cultural values alongside ecological goals.
“Conservation succeeds when it aligns with the values, knowledge, and priorities of the people who live alongside wildlife.”
A Resource for Conservation Practitioners, Policymakers, and Researchers
This book serves as a valuable resource for those working at the intersection of conservation, cultural heritage, and community well-being. It provides compelling evidence that Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) are essential for long-term conservation success and offers actionable recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers.
By integrating cultural and spiritual perspectives into conservation, we can build a more just and sustainable future—one where people and wildlife thrive together.
📖 Learn more and preorder here:
The Routledge Handbook of Cultural Ecosystem Services
We are grateful for the wisdom and collaboration of all those who contributed to this work.
Let’s continue the conversation—how have cultural and spiritual connections influenced conservation in your community?
Thank you for being part of our journey toward a more connected, sustainable world.
With gratitude,
The OneNature Team