UNESCO has officially inscribed the 'Ancient Sacred Groves and Rock Shrines of the Western Ghats' on its World Heritage List. The designation recognizes over 500 sites where local communities have preserved primary forests for over 2,000 years, often surrounding ancient Sanatan and tribal shrines dedicated to forest deities.
These groves are not only spiritual centers but also critical refuges for endangered endemic species, representing one of the world's oldest examples of community-led conservation. The UNESCO committee cited the 'outstanding universal value' of this living heritage, where ancient ritual practices have directly ensured the survival of a global biodiversity hotspot.