The cultural and spiritual significance of nature in protected and conserved areas (CSVPA) refers to the values that different cultures, religions and the general public place on natural features of the environment that have great meaning and importance for them. Spiritual values attributed to protected areas refer to the transcendent or immanent significance that features of nature have that put people in touch with a deeper reality greater than themselves that gives meaning and vitality to their lives and motivates them to revere and care for the environment. In the case of protected and conserved areas that are or include sacred sites, these values are intimately related to the beliefs and practices of indigenous traditions and mainstream religions. But protected and conserved areas also have cultural and spiritual significance for people who do not consider themselves religious — as places of inspiration, symbols of identity, etc. 

Who we are

The Specialist Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas (CSVPA) is a global network of experts including conservation professionals, heritage practitioners, policy makers, academics, government representatives, community members, custodians, and representatives of religious organisations.

We are concerned with the cultural and spiritual significance of nature that helps support, foster and respect protected and conserved areas and the variety of cultures that the Earth sustains. As a Specialist Group of the WCPA, we have a sharp focus on protected and conserved areas. Most of these areas are in their essence cultural creations that interact with wider human culture, as well as being set against a background of nature and the sacred dimension of nature as a whole.

What we do

CSVPA advises the IUCN and specifically the World Commission of Protected Areas on recognition, conservation and promotion of the cultural and spiritual significance of nature in protected areas' policy, planning, management, governance and evaluation. CSVPA is also active in promoting cultural and spiritual significance of nature in nature conservation beyond protected areas and develops and supports projects and programmes that are in accordance with its mission.

Mission Statement

The mission of the CSVPA is to promote the appropriate recognition and inclusion of all relevant cultural and spiritual values, knowledge, and meanings into nature conservation theory and practice, and in particular, into protected areas policies, planning, management, and evaluation.