VALUE OF SACRED NATURAL SITE IN GUJI SOCIETY: THE CASE OF ADOOLA REEDDE DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Environmental conservation and protection of sacred places are prerequisites for humanity and are considered topical issues in the world in general and in Ethiopia in particular. The aim of this study was to investigate the origin, function, and conservation values of sacred natural sites among the Guji Oromo of southern Ethiopia. The finding of the study shows that the origin and expansion of sacred sites in Guji land were embedded in an inextricable mutual interaction of the Guji people with God and their environment including plants and animals. The valuable life experiences of indigenous religion and environmental protection passed down to the generations are surviving sacred natural sites and associated sociocultural practices.