Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

In South-East Nigeria, sacred groves among the Igbo people, known as ohia ns?, faced increasing threats from urban expansion, farming, and cultural change, putting their role in biodiversity conservation at risk. The problem is that these traditional ecological sites, which protected forests and wildlife, were being degraded, yet their value as indigenous conservation mechanisms remained poorly documented. This study examined how sacred groves functioned as ecological sanctuaries and how Igbo spiritual beliefs and taboos contributed to environmental protection. The research used a combination of ethnographic fieldwork, including interviews with community elders and grove custodians, direct observation of grove management practices, and a review of existing literature on indigenous conservation. Findings showed that sacred groves maintained high levels of biodiversity, provided habitat for endemic species, regulated microclimates, and supported ecosystem services for surrounding communities. Taboos and spiritual rules effectively limited resource exploitation and reinforced community-based environmental governance. These traditional practices continued to preserve forest ecosystems and strengthened social cohesion. The study recommended integrating indigenous conservation strategies into formal environmental policies, raising awareness of the cultural and ecological importance of sacred groves, and supporting communities in maintaining these protected areas. In conclusion, Igbo sacred groves demonstrated that spiritual beliefs and traditional rules could serve as effective tools for biodiversity conservation. Recognizing and reinforcing these indigenous practices offered a culturally sensitive and ethically grounded approach to environmental management that complemented modern conservation methods and ensured the sustainability of local ecosystems for future generations.

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