Occasional Papers of IUCN Sri Lanka

This study documents the terrestrial and aquatic habitat types and floral and faunal species richness found in the Sampur area and current threats to biodiversity in the area.

This publication presents the findings of the physical, ecological, archaeological and socio-economic assessments of Delft Island; a map of Delft Island, illustrating its present land-use patterns, as well as areas that should, potentially, be earmarked for future development and conservation activities; and recommendations for the sustainable development of Delft Island, with a special emphasis on the development of tourism.

This paper presents the findings of a series of biodiversity assessments conducted in the Anawilundawa wetland sanctuary from September 2003-January 2004. Based on these finding, recommendations have been made on how to manage the water in the wetland, establish a biodiversity monitoring programme, implement awareness raising activities and to promote regulated ecotourism in the area, in close collaboration with the local communities.

The Lunama and Kalametiya lagoons are located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Part of the Dry Zone of the country, their importance led to their being designated in 1984 as a Sanctuary under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. The objective of this study was to compile a comprehensive set of baseline data on biodiversity in the Lunama-Kalametiya wetland system in order to facilitate management of this protected area.

The ancient tank system supported people’s livelihoods in times of foreign invasions. These livelihoods were environment friendly, and had the capacity to feed many a generation who constructed them. Today, many rural people still use these tanks for irrigation and other purposes. IUCN Sri Lanka Country Office implemented a project on integrating wetland ecosystem values into river basin management in collaboration with the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.

In spite of the fact that Sri Lanka has a relatively high Human Development Index (HDI) overall, the majority of families living in coastal areas fall into the poorest category. This Poverty Environment Nexus study was intended to assess the main causal mechanisms that bring about poverty and environmental degradation.

Being an island, Sri Lanka is rich in coastal and marine habitats. Sub-target_idal habitats such as coral and rocky reefs are abundant, along with large soft bottom habitats. In addition, inter-target_idal and coastal habitats are an important part of the marine ecosystem and provide shelter for a large number of plant and animal species.

The Muthurajawela Marsh is part of an integrated coastal wetland system of high biodiversity and ecological significance. Yet it is subject to intense and growing pressures from urban, residential, recreational and industrial development. The short-term economic gains that have influenced land and resource use decisions have neglected to take into consideration the economic value of wetland goods and services.