Sri Lanka

This was prepared as part of a comprehensive, concerted and integrated effort at a national level to make a significant headway in Sri Lanka 's marine turtle conservation. The publication aims to guide marine turtle conservation in Sri Lanka and covers strategies for in-situ and ex-situ conservation, research and monitoring, law enforcement, public awareness and education and community participation in conservation and eco-tourism.

This series provides extensive details on the various issues that need to be considered in the planning of a system of marine and coastal protected areas, from legislation and administrative frameworks to key habitats and species, resource use and environmental problems. Each report concludes with a recommendations section which includes a summary of coastal and marine areas considered to be priorities for protection.

Sri Lanka has one of the oldest traditions of irrigation in the world. The economy and human settlements of early Sri Lankan society were organized around the ancient water tank (water storage reservoir) irrigation systems. These traditional tank systems thus form a vital component of both the natural and manmade landscape in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka holds great potential for developing payment for environmental services (PES) and environmental service markets. However, this is a relatively new concept, and improving awareness and building institutional capacity remain a top priority and challenge.

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.

This publication will serve as a concise guide to the Sinharaja rainforest, by providing tips and advice to visitors, and information with regards to its cultural importance. Descriptions and checklists have also been provided for some of the plant and animal species found in this rainforest.

Taxonomic research on the faunal groups of Sri Lanka has undergone tremendous growth since the 1990s, resulting in the discovery and scientific description of several new species. This publication is intended to collate and present updated information on the status of taxonomy, research and conservation of different groups of fauna in Sri Lanka in order to facilitate and enhance research, education, awareness and conservation activities.

The tsunamis of Sunday 26 December 2004 struck without apparent warning on a clear day. Not only was there a devastating loss of life, but coastal resources and infrastructure in the Indian Ocean suffered massive destruction as well. This book focuses on the impacts on the natural coastal resources, especially the coral reefs and associated ecosystems, and the responses by the international community.