Bio-diversity

Rationale The Atipola hill area in the Matale district lost most of its natural forest cover due to clearing of land after the plantation industry was introduced. When the slopes were later abandoned, it resulted in severe soil erosion. Use as timber & as an energy source, setting fire to the forest areas in the dry season, has further reduced the numbers. Due to the above reasons, the catchment areas are gradually getting destroyed. Objectives, activities Conserve bio diversity soil errosion of mountain slope by rehabilitating degraded plot of 5 acres, develop home gardens, construct contours SALT ridges. Awareness raising of communities. Preliminary awareness programmes for 500 families in the Atipola hills and the adjoining villages, awareness raising among 1000 school children. Fire belts to be constructed on the slopes to stop fire from spreading. Trees such ac Kumbuk and Bamboo to be planted along the streams and the main watersheds.

Sri lanka