Sacred groves are places with a few trees or several hectares of forest or natural vegetation dedicated to local folk deities or tree spirits. They are usually created or controlled by local communities or villages. There are three types of sacred groves that have been formed by communities in the past: traditional sacred groves, temple groves, and groves around burial or cremation sites. Traditional sacred groves are constructed with religious meanings and functions. They are generally considered to be the places where the village deity lives and protects the community. And in another way, the community is responsible for taking control of its sacred groves and protecting its uses; for example, the calendar of sacrifices. Because of this relationship, traditional sacred groves were once widespread in many parts of Africa. People established many sacred groves outside of all settlements. Osun-Osgogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria is one of the best representatives of sacred groves. It is the last vestige of primary forest in southern Nigeria. And it is also one of the largest sacred groves surviving to this day. Due to its magnificent significance and traditional cultural value, Osun-Osgogbo was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. The Yoruba fertility goddess is the deity believed in by the people of Osun. More than four centuries ago, they began to build the sacred grove and continue to maintain it. Not only are the places well preserved, but also the culture is passed down from generation to generation. Even today, the traditional people of Osun-Osgogbo hold a grand celebration called the Osun-Osgogbo Festival every August. It attracts hundreds and thousands of followers of Osun, historia...... middle of paper ...... taboos and constraints transmitted through oral history. They have great value in historical and religious studies, and people pay great attention to their protection and maintenance. Usually, local sacred groves are controlled locally by small, flexible corporations. Management is simple and efficient. At the same time, community members protect and care for the grove because of their religious beliefs. Also, the protection of sacred sites and natural resources are inseparable. Additionally, community rules have preserved an intact forest. For example, no dry foliage or fallen fruit may be touched in certain sacred groves, dead wood or dried leaves may be gathered (but no cutting of living trees or branches), and hunting and logging are generally strictly prohibited. Based on all these protections of individuals and societies, scared groves should be greatly protected..