ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION PROGRAM ORGANIZED BY THE IESL (UVA CHAPTER)

Ecosystem degradation in Sri Lanka has taken place very critically mainly due to deforestation, improper land use planning and settlements, land degradation (erosion), improper waste disposal, overuse of agrochemicals etc. For instance, between 1990 and 2010, Sri Lanka lost an average of 24,500 ha or 1.04% per year. In total, between 1990 and 2010, Sri Lanka lost 20.9% of its forest cover or around 490,000 ha. In Badulu Oya catchment context, according to the data from Land Use & Policy Planning Department, Badulla; more than 5000 hectares of forest lands have been converted to build-up lands and agricultural lands in Badulu Oya catchment within last 25 years. As a result, the infiltration of rainfall has been reduced and the surface flow has increased. Ultimately the groundwater availability has decreased and also people frequently experience floods in Badulla area.

By understanding this situation IESL Uva chapter commenced an Ecosystem Conservation program for Badulu Oya upper catchment. As the first step, IESL Uva chapter in collaboration with NWSDB (RSC-Uva) conducted a tree plantation program on 1^st of January, 2020.

More than 330 trees including Mee, Kubuk, Mahogany, Areca nut, Kudu Dawula and Fruits were planted in Demodara, Badulla, Bandarawela, Mahiyanganaya and Monaragala areas.

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