• Private landowner's conservation initiative helps reconnect two protected forest reserves in Navalakanda biodiversity zone

A private rubber plantation in Kalutara is being transformed into a protected forest in a conservation initiative aimed at reconnecting two isolated forest reserves within the proposed Navalakanda Environmentally Sensitive Zone.

The project was launched in conjunction with the World Environment Week this year (2026) and seeks to strengthen ecological connectivity in an area recognised for its rich biodiversity.

The proposed Zone, located in the 849D Bogodakanda Grama Niladhari (GN) Division of the Walallawita Divisional Secretariat (DS) Division, comprises a unique ecosystem of human settlements and cultivation lands surrounded by several montane forest systems that support the low-country wet zone, one of the country's most biodiverse regions.

Seven small and isolated montane forest patches within the area were declared the Meegahathenna Reserved Forest by Gazette Extraordinary Number 1855/25 dated 26 March 2014. The zone is home to a significant number of endemic plant and animal species and is considered an area of high ecological value.

However, the forest patches gazetted as protected forests remain separated by settlements, agricultural lands and other forms of land use. Conservationists note that this fragmentation has disrupted the area's natural ecological connectivity, affecting environmental processes and weakening the ecosystem's resilience.

Among the visible impacts are the rapid drying of water sources even during short dry periods and the increasing movement of wildlife into settlements and cultivation lands due to shrinking habitats and reduced food resources.

To address these challenges, members of the Navalakanda Nature Conservation Forum have been carrying out various conservation projects within the proposed Zone. One of the Forum's members, Chandimal Indika of the Balagala village, decided to contribute by converting a rubber plantation inherited from his family into a protected forest. The plantation had long served as a source of income, he opted not to continue its commercial development after recognising the gradual deterioration of the area's ecological balance. The land is situated between two forest sections of the Meegahathenna Reserved Forest, namely Balagalle Kanda and Bolhen Kanda. Conservationists say that maintaining the land as forest will help reconnect the two isolated forest patches.

The site has also gained importance following the discovery of two rare plant species. One is Henckeliawijesundarae, previously known only from Hiniduma, while the other is Strobilanthesrhytisperma, a species for which living specimens had not been located. Preserving the land as a forest is expected to contribute to the conservation of both the species.

The property is also located within the main catchment area of the Balagala stream, a key water source feeding the Bentara River. Maintaining the land in a protected state is expected to support the stability of the watershed.

As the first phase of the restoration effort, the Forum, with support from Dilmah Conservation's Endane Biodiversity Corridor Project and its Threatened Plant Conservation Programme, conducted a tree-planting programme on 12 June. A total of 250 saplings belonging to indigenous and rare species suitable for the area's biodiversity, including Beraliya, Dorana, Korakaha, Mandora, Kaluwara, Dun and Mora, were planted as part of the initiative. The programme was held under the patronage of the Walallawita Pradeshiya Sabha Chairperson Sunil Abeysiri and was attended by Environmental Officer Nisangsala Sandareka of the Walallawita DS, GN Hasitha Tennakoon of the 849D Bogodakanda Division, other Government officials, representatives of the Endane Biodiversity Corridor Project, members of the Forum and local residents.

Participants praised Indika's decision to voluntarily convert a rubber plantation that had supported his livelihood into a protected forest while helping reconnect two separated forest reserves.

Conservationists described the move as an example of how private landowners can contribute to environmental protection by prioritising the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity for future generations.

The Forum said that it would continue efforts to develop the land as a protected forest and support the long-term conservation of the proposed Zone.

The writer is the Chairperson of the said Forum

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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication