This is the basic realization and spirit on which WWF-India's relegion and conservation initiatives rest. The Bishnois of Rajasthan are the living examples of aggressive stewardship of nature because of their relegious faith in many animal species like the endangered Black Buck in India. Vrindavan conservation Project of WWF-India is based on this inseparable bond between hindus and their respect for nature. The legend goes that, in India, God reincarnated Himself as Lord Krishna some 5000 years ago, to bless the earth with His presence, and chose the sylvan setting of Vrindavan for His recreation. Today, while the legend remains, Vrindavan s forests and groves have vanished, the sacred river and ponds have depleted and are contaminated, and the soil eroded.
All signs point to excesses on the over-stressed environment.
Build up a model community based conservation project which brings together the teachings and values of religion and conservation. Restore Parikrama, the seven-mile pilgrim path around Vrindavan, by involving pilgrims and people in ashrams and temples lining its route. Five great religions joined for the first time, at the birthplace of St Francis, patron Saint of ecology, to discuss how conservation and religious organisations could work together to combine ethical and moral values with conservation imperatives to improve life on earth. The Vrindavan Conservation Project initiated in July 1991 aims to mobilise local people and pilgrims and motivate them to protect and regenerate their spiritual homeland. The focus of the project has been on greening, cleaning, awareness generation and community participation activities.