**8. Conclusion**

Eliana Elias- National geographic Explorer has accurately mentioned, "A Community in balance leads to a planet in balance". Community based conservation is being increasingly recognized as a major global force in the protection and sustainable management of ecosystems and species [32]. Plants are ecologically and biologically an important constituent of ecosystem. Forests host sacred sites, provide food, fodder, fuel, medicinal plants etc and are home to diverse flora and fauna. Forests are socially and culturally significant for those who have conserved them through customary laws. But the present scenario of continuous habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species, decline in natural pollinators and most devastating the threats from developmental projects led to the species extinction and increased number of endangered species. The over exploitation of medicinal plants aids the destruction caused to rare plants.

Despite of strict implementation of conservation laws which include prohibition of the collection of endangered plants from grasslands and forests; rigorous punishment to the defaulters etc. are still the prime motive i.e., conserving flora of a region is not fulfilled effectively. Conservation should be people centred and address the diverse livelihood of community along with the conservation of biodiversity. Sacred grooves are legacies of ancient traditions of nature conservation forming a strong linkage between present and past in terms of biodiversity. Biodiversity rich sacred grooves possess immense ecological and social significance. These grooves thrive well and automatically conserved at those places where indigenous communities inhabit. Communities hold the key to expand conservation strategies so as to safeguard biodiversity although it facilitates recovery but does not consider the requirements of each species [33]. By developing involvement with communities and engaging in development and conservation strategies, win-win solutions can be created [29]. Women although considered as inter generation transmitter of knowledge and values should be involved in decision making process i.e., providing gender equity and thereby emerging as allies in affecting change in the society. A sustainable earth cannot be created alone. Communities must be advocated for conservation and collaboration.

*Endangered Plants*
