<p>The study area is seriously affected with land degradation, soil erosion, and deforestation problems mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Deforestation in the study area is practiced for the purposes of farm land expansion, fire wood, charcoal production, construction materials, and the problem is still continued. The objective of the study was to assess the role of indigenous knowledge in conserving sacred forest at Sidama region, Southeast Ethiopia. The survey was conducted on randomly selected 278 households, 30 key informant interviews, 8 FGD participants and personal observation. The result revealed that indigenous knowledge played a significant role in sacred forest conservation programs by the guidance of <b>Halaale</b> which means the general truth and cultural law of the Sidama People. Most sacred forest products are associated with ancestral spirits and local communities perform various traditional ceremonies under such trees. 89% of the respondents argued that indigenous knowledge supported the local communities in contribution of fencing, planting trees, terracing structures and awareness creation during sacred forest conservation practices. More than 81% of the respondents informed that trees are not allowed to be cut down inside the sacred forests. 24 (80%) of the interviewed informants and 6 (75%) of the focus group discussion participants reported that Abbo-Wonsho indigenous knowledge has brought a great contribution in preserving local sacred forests diversity, spiritual, social and economic reasons. The authors concluded that indigenous knowledge has a significant role in conserving and protecting sacred forests. In order to improve the present status of the sacred forests, training of the stakeholders and participatory based sacred forest management strategies are very necessary. So that&#xa0;planners, policy makers, agriculture and natural resource experts, local communities and households need strong coordination to achieve the objective.</p>