கட வளரபப கறதத நலயன வளரசச இலகககளம தமழ பணபடடன கவல கடகளம / Sustainable Development Goals on Forestry and Temple Forests of Tamil Culture

Today, numerous global afforestation projects are in progress. The United Nations has allocated substantial funds through various conferences to expand forested areas. Deforestation remains a significant contributor to global warming, rising sea levels, and other climate-related issues. As a result, afforestation is deemed crucial in the current context. To achieve this, various programs and policies are being put into action. Afforestation is also the 15th target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and all nations are striving to implement this initiative in diverse ways. This afforestation project has been successfully implemented by the Tamil society through its cultural activities for a long time in the name of ‘Kovilkaadu’ known as Sacred Groves, Temple Forest centered on Deity. In India, there has been a tradition of worshiping deities. Due to faith in these deities, people everywhere have come to revere and worship rocks, trees, weapons like swords and bows, and even animals. These practices have mostly originated from forested regions. The animals and birds that inhabit the sacred groves have come here without being harmed and the wild animals play without being disturbed. The elders of each village have passed down stories, myths about the unique way each temple forest is formed. They instill fear and faith among the people and ensure their protection. If these forests are converted for any other purpose, the indigenous people who protect them will believe that the deities themselves will punish them, not just through legal action or penalties, but also by destroying the deities. There are many thoughts on the growth of forests in Tamil Sangam literature. This article discusses the importance of forests in the context of current Sustainable Development Goals and the structure of temple forests of Kovilkadu in Madurai district.