The Effects of Climate Change on Sacred Sites in Dehradun, India
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This research examines the biocultural diversity of eleven sacred sites within the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India, and the socioecological impacts of climate change to the sacred landscape. These effects include how the sites are engaged with and cared for by local communities, how sacred knowledge is transmitted across generations, and how the ecology is shifting with extreme weather and climate events that are increasing in frequency and intensity. This research asks, how does a connection with sacred habitats inform biocultural diversity and resiliency? This qualitative research was conducted through interviews in English and Hindi in North India from 15 June through 25 July 2024, with preparations over the course of the academic year. The eleven examined sacred sites vary ecologically and culturally. In order of visitation, the sites are Kalu Sidh, Laxman Sidh, Mandu Sidh, Tapkeshwar Mahadev, Manak Sidh, Santala Mata Devi, Baba Bhure Shah, Lakha Mandal, Surkanda Mata Devi, the banks of the Ganga River in Rishikesh, and Paonta Sahib.