Vintage engraving depicting a devotee kneeling in prayer at the base of a massive sacred Banyan tree. The figure worships before a carved stone stele nestled among the tree's hanging aerial roots in a serene natural setting.

Asian Heritage Silva

Documenting the Divine: Preserving the Sacred Arboreal Heritage of Southeast Asia

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Learn About Our Methodology

A digital research initiative dedicated to investigating, categorizing, and protecting the living religious monuments of Monsoon Asia.

ABOUT THE PROJECT.

Decoding the Nature of Sacred Trees

We are moving beyond anecdotal folklore to create a structured, academic understanding of how these natural monuments function within their cultural landscapes.

At Asian Heritage Silva, we view sacred trees not merely as botanical specimens, but as complex bio-cultural artifacts. Our mission is to investigate the intersection of ecology and spirituality across Southeast Asia.

By treating these trees as living heritage sites, we provide GLAM institutions and conservationists with the data necessary to understand their critical role in local history, mythology, and community resilience.

We are moving beyond anecdotal folklore to create a structured, academic understanding of how these natural monuments function within their cultural landscapes.

Dramatic golden hour light illuminates a long stone staircase flanked by ornate green and gold Naga serpent statues, leading upwards through dense, emerald-toned forest vegetation to the main golden temple hall of Wat Pa Daeng in Chiang Mai.

REMARKS, DATA, EVENTS & ADDITIONAL

A Typological Approach to Living Heritage

Dive into local myths, visit sacred sites, engage with experts, and explore literature and online resources that reveal the spiritual and social significance of trees. Discover the wealth of wisdom in our records.

PAPER

Spatial Syntax of the Sacred Ficus

A. Di Paolo

January 12, 2026

PAPER

The Sentient Landscape: An Examination of Asia's Cosmological Vision of the Forest

A. Di Paolo

April 8, 2022

PAPER

Saving the Soul of the Forest: Preserving the Mystical Trees of Malaysia's Rainforests

Marcus Rodriguez

March 15, 2022

PAPER

The Power of Community, Collaborative Conservation Efforts in the Philippines' Sacred Forests.

Zara Hassan

February 28, 2024

PAPER

Ancient Wisdom in Modern Times: How Cambodia is Preserving its Sacred Trees for Future Generations

Maya Silverstone

February 6, 2025

Got To The Papers

Golden sunset over Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai's oldest temple, featuring the prominent Chedi Chang Kham, or Elephant Chedi, adorned with elephant statues, and the Lanna-style Viharn in the foreground under a dramatic sky.

Explore our blog!

Check out our blog to uncover the wonders of sacred trees!

Our blog offers insights into sacred trees, their history, and current relevance, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts.

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Top Down of Lush Tropical Forest surrounded by Clouds

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Towering Bodhi tree at Wat Suan Dok supported by traditional Lanna-style wooden crutches known as Mai Kham Sali under a blue sky.

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Lush green and yellow rice terraces cascade down a steep hillside, dotted with small wooden huts and large dark rocks, surrounded by dense green forest at the edges.

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With the current rate of deforestation, the world’s rainforests will be gone by 2100. The rainforest is home to more than half of all species on Earth.

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Ancient white masonry pavilion featuring Burmese-style arches and weathered stucco, nestled within the lush jungle greenery at Wat Pha Lat in Chiang Mai, with a natural stream flowing over rocks in the foreground.

How can you contribute.

Pinpointing and documenting revered trees in Southeast Asia through an online platform plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage.

This initiative helps maintain traditional rituals and fosters pride in cultural identity. Community involvement enhances knowledge and promotes cultural diversity. Identifying and safeguarding significant locations is essential for heritage conservation.

This project serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and the public, boosting local economic opportunities.

In summary, cataloging sacred trees is vital for protecting cultural heritage and fostering appreciation for diversity, which is essential for a thriving global community.

How did this project come about?

The establishment of an online portal for crowdsourced geolocation and recording of sacred trees throughout Southeast Asia could contribute substantially to regional conservation strategies.

By assembling and authenticating the precise whereabouts of such holy trees, the portal could amplify awareness of their socio-cultural and environmental value, offering crucial data for environmental stewards and investigators.

Moreover, the portal would empower local populations to engage actively in the safeguarding of their cultural and natural legacies, assisting the promotion of eco-friendly development principles.

In the long run, the triumph of this endeavour relies on the vigorous involvement and dedication of all parties concerned.

Want to learn more? Visit our project details.

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Partners

Asian Heritage Silva

Documenting the Divine: Preserving the Sacred Arboreal Heritage of Southeast Asia

Learn More

Get Involved

Learn About Our Methodology

A digital research initiative dedicated to investigating, categorizing, and protecting the living religious monuments of Monsoon Asia.

ABOUT THE PROJECT.

Decoding the Nature of Sacred Trees

We are moving beyond anecdotal folklore to create a structured, academic understanding of how these natural monuments function within their cultural landscapes.

At Asian Heritage Silva, we view sacred trees not merely as botanical specimens, but as complex bio-cultural artifacts. Our mission is to investigate the intersection of ecology and spirituality across Southeast Asia.

By treating these trees as living heritage sites, we provide GLAM institutions and conservationists with the data necessary to understand their critical role in local history, mythology, and community resilience.

We are moving beyond anecdotal folklore to create a structured, academic understanding of how these natural monuments function within their cultural landscapes.