Bio-diversity

The forest patch home to the streams that provide water to the surrounding five villages is situated on top of a hill and is being encroached. At present only a small patch of about 10 hectares is left. The villagers have realised the importance of conserving the patch due to the lack of water in the streams they are witnessing at present. The NGO intends to protect the streams in the forest patch as they were the source of water for the people whose livelihood is primarily based on paddy cultivation. The herbal and medicinal plants in the forest also provide livelihood to some people and need to be protected. Community based organizations have been formed in the villages in which men, women and children are actively participating. With their participation and coorperation, so far they have successfully planted more than 1000 plants in the forest. Problems have been encountered due to a strong man in the village who lives adjoining the forest and is encroaching to grow pineapples in the land. He is preventing the villagers from entering the forest using threats. The CBO has contemplating filing a case in the courts regarding this. An extension to project (SRL/04/13) was granted to create a revolving fund for the women who were keen on starting income generating activities for a sustainable livelihood.

Sri lanka