The Sinharaja Forest Range Landscapecovers 231,000 ha in the Ratnapura, Galle, Matara and Kalutara District of Sri Lanka.
The task of developing a landscape management plan was taken on by a highly competent team of experts consisting of a Team Leader with technical knowledge of the subject, Land-use Specialist, Biodiversity Specialist, Sociologist, Environmental Economist, Agriculture and Plantation Management Specialist, Hydrologist and GIS Expert.
While the initial contract was signed with TEAMS in mid February 2020, unexpected delays in field activities were experienced due to COVID-19. After the country is re-opened, preliminary data collection, a literature survey and some field work was completed. Socio economic survey in 27 buffer-zone villages of 14 Divisional Secretariat Divisions were carried out. Stakeholder analysis and SWOT analysis too were carried out by a newly appointed consultant team.
Stakeholder consultation in progress
Field visits, data collection process and surveys have been completed. District level workshops were held in Rathnapura, Galle, Mathara and Kaluthara district with the participation of all key stakeholders representing government institutions. In addition, several focus groups meeting were held with special groups and communities such as plantation sector institutions, tourism sector agencies, kithul tappers, tea small holders, cinnamon cultivators, buffer zone communities, “SingharajaSumithuro” societies, CBOs and NGOs etc.
The first draft of the Singharaja Landscape Management Plan has been submitted to ESCAMP and the second draft is currently being processedafter considering the comments and suggestions by stakeholders.The SFR landscape management plan has now in the process of being finalised
