There is a distinct and peaceful coexistence of a community with nature in Punjab. The Bishnoi community occupying parts of Punjab is providing the absolute protection to the blackbuck and the khejari tree. They protect the plant and animal diversity within their village boundaries. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is unique in that it is an open sanctuary. It covers over 18,650 hectares of land and comprising farmlands of 13 Bishnoi villages. It is located in the Fazilka district of Punjab and is known for being a preservation hotspot for Black Buck. Herds of black buck, the indigenous antelope, with their distinctive twisted horns, can be found wandering freely through the villages and even homes.

Blackbucks have been placed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act because of their high conservation value. Khejari is a multipurpose legume tree valued by the villagers for its pod (used as food), leaves (used as fodder and manure) and branches (used as construction material). The Bishnois were there even before the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 came into being. This proves that the need to save nature does not arise from laws, but from an inherent understanding of knowing that we exist because of nature. Twenty-nine tenets were laid down by the founder of the Bishnoi sect almost 500 years ago. Of the six tenets that focus on protecting nature, the two most thoughtful ones are: Jeev Daya Palani (be compassionate to all living beings) and Runkh Lila Nahi Ghave (do not cut green trees). The principles were not only tailored to conserve the biodiversity of the area but also ensured an eco-friendly social life.