Protect our Kandyan Forests

The Forest Healing Foundation (FHF) continued to advance its mission of restoring native ecosystems, promoting ecological awareness, and supporting sustainable land use practices across the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka during this quarter.

1. Reforestation of Hilltop Land

This quarter, FHF began reforesting a new area of hilltop land that had previously been overrun by invasive flora (Maana, Kenda, Glirycidia and Havari Nuga). The initiative involved clearing invasive species and replanting native vegetation suited to the intermediate climatic zone. Mrs. Nel led this effort from start, coordinating the purchasing of native plants from the Forest Department and overseeing their planting in appropriate locations across the site. She was supported throughout by our planters, Athula and Anura, whose consistent assistance was instrumental to the project's progress. It is worth noting that managing invasive species remains a significant challenge for our team, given the limited manpower available relative to the extensive area of land requiring attention. Expanding our capacity in this area will be important for sustaining momentum on future reforestation efforts.

2. Ecotourism Partnership with Pollwaththa Eco Lodge

FHF became an associate partner in the tour guide training program organized by Polwaththa Eco Lodge, contributing specialized knowledge of local flora and fauna to the lodge's guides. As part of this collaboration, our team joined a group trek to Kukul Oya Waterfall within the Knuckles Forest Reserve, offering insights into the plant and animal life encountered along the trail. Our flora and fauna expert, Devin, shared his expertise through engaging storytelling that highlighted the ecological and cultural significance of the surrounding natural environment. This partnership strengthens our outreach into the ecotourism sector and helps ensure that visitors and guides develop a more informed appreciation towards nature.

3. Farmer Survey on Kandyan Forest Gardens

FHF conducted a survey of prospective farmers to assess their views on converting conventional farmland into Kandyan Forest Gardens. The survey revealed that current farmers face substantial threats to their crops, most notably from macro fauna. Toque macaques, Barking Deer and Giant Squirrels were identified as the primary contributors to crop damage in the surveyed areas. These findings indicate that, until effective mitigation measures are developed to address wildlife related crop losses and unless the farmers get an incentive to keep the larger garden trees intact farmers’ interest in adopting the Kandyan Forest Garden model is likely to remain low. Addressing this barrier will be a key focus for FHF in the future, as it directly affects the long term feasibility of expanding this sustainable farming model.

4. Planned Acquisition of State Plantation Land

FHF is preparing to bid on underutilized land being released for lease by the State Plantation Corporation of Sri Lanka. These plantations, once dedicated to tea cultivation, a major export for the country over many decades, have remained abandoned for more than twenty years. These lands are quite large in size with some spanning over 50 hectares and they are located in the Panvila, Kotaganga area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The government's decision to lease this land to qualified applicants presents a valuable opportunity for FHF to secure additional land for restoration and sustainable use. We are currently evaluating the requirements of the bidding process and assessing how this land could be integrated into our broader reforestation and community engagement goals.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our administrative staff, dedicated volunteers, and Nel, Devin and our planters Athula ans Anura, whose time and effort continue to drive both our restoration work forward. We're always looking to welcome new volunteers who share our passion for forests and want to be part of what we do. You can also support us by following our social media pages and helping spread the word through shares and mentions. Happy Foresting!