The story that butterflies tell you about ecological restoration….
Our LIFE Journey began four years ago in February 2018 with ten private sector companies partnering with Biodiversity Sri Lanka for restoration of a 10ha degraded forest land located in the Kanneliya Forest Reserve under the able guidance of IUCN and the Forest Department.
From trees…
After years of astute planning and rigorous implementation and monitoring, despite multiple challenges, the Project has shown remarkable progress in restoring this land. At the end of the fourth year of restoration, over 18,000 plants have been grown at the site from 46 plant species including Hora, Wal Del, Bata Domba, Alu bo, Naa, Pelan, and Diyapara. Some of the native shrub species (Maha bovitiya – Melastoma malabaricum and Veraniya – Hediotis fruticans) have emerged naturally in the site after the systematic removal of the invasive Kekilla. Also, the exotic species Alstonia (Alstonia macrophylla) has been observed alongside native shrub species. Despite, Alstonia being an invasive plant, for another couple of years, the Alstonia plants will be maintained to obtain shade and to increase the soil carbon level in the site. Some of the naturally occurred pioneering species include Milla, Kekuna, Kenda, and Geduma.
To butterflies…
Above all, one significant indication that the Project is heading in the right direction is the colonization of butterfly species at the restoration site. Lomove et al (2006) conclude that butterflies are a good indicator species to assess the progress of the ecological restoration. The comparison on the presence of butterfly species before restoration commenced and after four years of restoration is astounding. The biodiversity survey which was done before restoration work commenced in 2017 showed no records of butterflies at the site itself whilst 14 species of butterflies were recorded from the adjacent forest control plot. Nevertheless, a recent biodiversity survey has recorded 22 butterfly species at the restoration site. This remarkable development can be attributed to multiple reasons including the change in the habitat structure from a fern land to a shrub forest and the natural regeneration of plant species such as Weraniya and Maha Bovitiya.
Butterfly Species recorded at the restoration site were Tailed jay, Five bar swordtail, Bluebottle, Crimson rose, Blue Mormon, Ceylon birdwing, Lemon emigrant, Mottled Emigrant, and Jezebel. Three-spot grass yellow, One-spot grass yellow, Psyche, Tawny costor, Tree nymph, Grey pansy, Tree nymph, Chocolate soldier, Gladeye bush brown, White four-ring, Ceylon Cerulean, Yamfly, and Chestnut Bob., 06 of which are endangered species and the others being Indigenous.
This is exciting and remarkable news for us!
In commemoration of World Endangered Species Day
The third Friday in May every year is designated as Endangered Species Day. In commemoration, BSL hosted an educational session on endangered species for students from its Patron Member, Stafford International School Colombo. This event reminded us of how vulnerable some animals, plants, and insects are, and inspired us to learn more about why it is so vital to conserve them. This is a day when people talk about solutions and educate their families and friends about how they can help protect certain species. The session for senior students of the school was conducted by Professor Sampath Seneviratne from the Department of Zoology and Environmental Science of the University of Colombo a well-known Molecular Ecology, Evolution and Ornithology Research Scientist.
Several animals have come and gone or become extinct since life originated on Earth, owing to changing physical and biological conditions in the environment. Extinction, as we all know, is a continuous natural occurrence. However, scientific evidence suggests that the current pace of species loss is far faster than the historical rate. This is something we need to consider or is a cause for concern.
Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean has high species diversity, ranging from elephants and leopards to marine turtles and a vast number of birds. There is a big chance of seeing the mighty blue whale in our southern and eastern oceans. Even though Sri Lanka is famous for its wildlife there are a number of wild animal and plant species that are threatened with extinction because of human behavior. Sometimes these threatened flora and fauna go extinct and are lost forever.
Prof Sampath Seneviratne
The focus of the day’s program was on threatened and extinct species. Professor Seneviratne discussed the DNA distribution of certain extinct creatures, such as the clade Dinosauria – the common name given to a group of reptiles, often very large, that first appeared roughly 245 million years ago. Sri Lanka was a peninsula for most of the Indian geological history. Dinosaurs have been discovered on what was India’s northwest coast, present-day Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. However, we did not discover Mesozoic rock in Sri Lanka because it has either been eroded away to reveal Precambrian rock or has been buried beneath layers of Cenozoic rock. The early human remains in Sri Lanka, for example, can be found in the Balangoda caves. The Mesozoic is represented only by two Jurassic Limestone patches in Puttalam. It is not impossible to find dinosaurs in coastal marine deposits, although none have been discovered so far.
(Picture Credit – The Rainforest Ecolodge – Sinharaja)
Referring to the present context, Professor Seneviratne mentioned that Sri Lanka has a higher number of endemic animal species, as well as one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world. There are around 21 endemic mammals, 26 endemic birds, 113 endemic reptiles, 112 endemic amphibians, 50 endemic fish, and countless insect species in Sri Lanka, including 24 endemic butterflies such as Mycalesis Rama (Cingalese Bushbrown) and Elymnias Singhala (Ceylon Palm fly). The Sri Lankan junglefowl, Purple-faced langur, and the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie are some of the common endemic fauna, that can be observed in the country. The distribution of these animals across Sri Lanka varies depending on the country’s environmental variability. The Sinharaja World Heritage site is home to 21 of the 26 endemic bird species, making it one of the most endemism-rich ecosystems on the planet.
Invest In Our Planet
Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22nd, to create awareness about the vital need to protect our planet from environmental destruction. This year’s theme was ‘Invest in Our Planet’ which indicates the need for quick, urgent actions to shift from a carbon-intensive, destructive development model. It called on governments, businesses, and citizens to act boldly, innovatively, and equitably to save the planet. People world over undertook several eco-friendly activities on Earth Day to demonstrate their commitment to protecting our planet. The day also reminds us how fragile our planet is and how it is important to save it from the global climate crisis that is worsening with each passing day.
Many campaigns and events were conducted this year with a particular focus on addressing the global climate crisis. Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) celebrated Earth Day this year by raising awareness on some useful tips that each and every one of us can do individually to help in healing the planet.
- Walk/ cycle more and drive less – going car-free for at least one day will reduce harmful carbon emissions from using fossil fuels. It is an environmentally sound activity that have been practiced widely in developed countries.
- Plant a tree – trees provide food and oxygen. They clean air and help combat climate change
- Use a refillable water bottle- cut down on what you throw away, promote reuse behavior
- Pick up litter in your community – taking the moment to pick up any litter you see when you are out and do not dispose of your own litter in an improper way
- Make a bird feeder – place outdoor water feeders on these hot days
- Carry reusable plastic or cloth bags – buy fewer plastics
- Start a compost bin – turn your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden
Companies can invest in strong Environmental and Social Governance systems to reduce their ecological footprint substantially. They are likely to gain marketing advantages due to their sustainability standards over their peers. Some studies show a direct correlation between sustainable business practices, share prices, and business performance. It is imperative that companies incorporate sustainable business practices into their core business operations. Businesses and People, it is high time to invest in our planet!
Moves to establish and operationalize private sector consortia to facilitate EPR implementation
At the global level, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems are successfully implemented through a participatory process called Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO). In Sri Lanka, knowledge and understanding among stakeholders on successful EPR models implemented in other parts of the world are currently inadequate. Following the EPR Roadmap, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) together with the Ministry of Environment, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), and Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) have taken steps to implement EPR for plastic waste voluntarily targeting PET and HIPS through a project supported by USAID’s Clean Cities Blue Ocean Program.
At the outset, two private sector consortia have been developed through extensive consultations with corporate entities involved in importing, manufacturing, and using Poly-ethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) respectively, in order to coordinate collect-back/recycling of plastic packaging in Sri Lanka. The private sector consortia have initially been established under the auspices of the CCC and BSL, with a view to subsequently incorporate as PROs. The main role of the two private sector-led consortia would be to support the realization of annual collect-back targets to be assigned by the Plastic Expert Committee (PEC) of the CEA in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. Assigning annual collect back targets will be based on volumes of plastics consumed by corporates. The project will create the necessary enabling environment in collaboration with relevant Government Agencies. This includes establishing an online Plastic Waste Reporting System and developing a verification system for EPR on plastic waste management. The consortia will operate on a not-for-profit basis.
Membership of the private sector consortia is open to brand owners, plastics importers, and packaging manufacturers dealing with PET and HIPS. Calling for membership is ongoing through relevant sectoral associations and public advertisements. In order to facilitate collection and recycling programs efficiently, the project will encourage tri-partite partnerships amongst corporates dealing with PET and HIPS, collectors, and recyclers, which will eventually enable the achievement of assigned collect-back targets.
The two private sector consortia will offer multiple benefits to its membership. They will support the generation of economies of scale, the reduction of EPR costs for individual companies, enhancing collective bargaining power, and adopting a high-impact country-focused, solution-oriented approach to plastic waste management, which will be more efficient and effective compared to the present CSR and marketing led collection/recycling initiatives confined to a few leading corporates.
The project will facilitate many functions of the private sector consortia such as acting as the interface between the CEA and the private sector, promoting membership in the consortia, coordinating the achievement of EPR collect-back targets assigned to its membership, facilitating incentivization collectors/recyclers by brand owners, importers, and manufacturers, ensuring data collection and verification of collect-back/recycling volumes, and reporting to the PEC of CEA on an annual basis, on behalf of its membership.
Furthermore, the project will implement directives received from the Project Steering Committee (PSC) established to oversee the overall implementation of the Project, undertake awareness campaigns to educate the public on responsible waste disposal, with a view to an increasing collection of post-consumer plastic waste and obtain and collate information and intelligence on the gaps, infrastructure needs, and other requirements to be supported to popularize collect back/recycling of plastic waste from industries and households. The two consortia will initially be advised and guided by the PSC.
Recently, identified entities in the PET and HIPS domains were invited to join as members of the PET and HIPS consortia. More than 31 companies, including key market leaders, have already joined the PET consortium. Most notably, when it comes to soft drinks market share, the PET consortium has already covered more than 70% of PET usage in Sri Lanka. More companies are currently joining both consortia. Cargills Ceylon PLC, which is one of the largest conglomerates in the country has already joined the HIPS consortium.
There are a number of SME-type water bottlers that operate in isolation and are geographically dispersed all over the country. These SMEs are not connected to any of the national-level policy dialogues. Even though their PET usage is insignificant and incomparable with other medium to large-scale PET users, the project has been making attempts to educate and engage them into the EPR system.
The 2nd PET and HIPS Consortia meetings were conducted in February with around 50 manufacturers, users, and brand owners in attendance. Overall, the participants were enthusiastic about engaging in discussions and they maintained a positive view towards the implementation of EPR on plastic waste in a voluntary basis soon. This consortia-based EPR implementation on plastic waste could be considered a trailblazing achievement, not only in Sri Lanka but also for the South Asian Region.
LIFE – Kanneliya project partners engage in site visit
Following multiple setbacks caused by the COVID 19 outbreak, BSL planned a field visit to the LIFE project site with the help of IUCN. LIFE is a groundbreaking public-private effort in Halgahawala, Opatha, within the Kanneliya Forest Reserve to restore a degraded fern land. The visit was arranged to demonstrate progress and the most significant milestones achieved during the years of implementation. The project has just completed its fourth year.
LIFE aims to pilot test the feasibility of restoring a completely degraded rainforest patch within the Kanneliya Conservation Forest in Southern Sri Lanka. The site has been cleared for cultivation and subsequently abandoned, resulting in its colonization by the pioneer fern species Dicranopterus linearis (Kekilla). In the past, the Forest Department has tried to restore this site by planting Eucalyptus trees which has not been successful. Thus, LIFE has undertaken to restore a 10-ha extent of this degraded forest patch, using principles of restoration ecology, to enhance its ecological functions, habitat quality, species diversity, and capacity to provide biodiversity and ecosystem services that are in close approximation to what prevailed there, before it was converted to its present state.
During the visit IUCN technical staff explained about the overall progress. Since the initiation of ground-level activities of the project in April 2018, several key achievements have been reached, regardless of the challenges posed by rugged terrain, poor access to the site, erratic climate patterns, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. The completed activities include ground preparation, fencing of the site, planting, and the systematic collection of information for the development of the Biodiversity Credit Accrual Scheme (BCAS). To protect the new plants from herbivores roaming the area, a fence of 1,400m in length was established encircling the entire project site. Concrete posts of 5’ height and barbed wire were used for this purpose. In addition, expansion of the intensive restoration area beyond that accomplished during the third year, application of organic fertilizer, planting of shade plants and forest plants, maintaining the fence, nursery management, watering and protecting plants from herbivores were carried out during the reporting period.
A nursery was established on-site, to maintain the seedlings until they are planted. To avoid plants from catching (forest) fire in the dry season, a 6’ wide fire belt was established by removing the Kekilla. Shade plants namely Glyricidia sp., Erythrina sp. “Kenda” and native species including “Hora”, “Goraka”, “Kata Kaela”, “Wal Del” and “Nawanda”, were also planted. The plants were obtained from local communities and the Forest Department. The plant nursery established by the project currently maintains more than 3,500 plants. Plants are transferred to the field on a regular basis. Hence, the nursery is being continuously improved to ensure an un-interrupted source of seedlings for planting. Seeds and seedlings are collected from the adjacent forest area for gap filling, potted in bags, and raised in the nursery until they are ready to be transferred to the field.
Field staff also explained about a significant method of application fertilizer, soil conservation and improvement methods and dry season watering.
Soil tests conducted by the Soil Science Department of the University of Peradeniya confirmed the highly degraded status and poor nutritional condition of the soil at the restoration site. As such, as per initial recommendations received, the application of fertilizers was initiated. Compost, organic pellet fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and dolomite were used systematically and carefully due to the sensitive nature of the site. Phosphate and nitrate tests were conducted with samples taken from the site and from an adjacent location. The tests revealed zero impact of the application of inorganic fertilizers to the forest and stream ecosystems of the area.
Soil plays a critical role in forest restoration as poor-soil suppresses plant growth. Due to heavy soil erosion and subsequent invasion of Kekilla, together with forest fires, have caused the soil condition in the site to been very poor. During the reporting period, several actions such as the introduction of live fences, soil conservation bunds, and barriers, the introduction of legume species, were carried out to improve the soil condition.
A watering system was established to ensure a continuous supply of water to plants during the dry season. Clay pitchers are placed next to selected plants located in the dry, hilly areas of the site to ensure water availability to plants during dry times. Also, a layer of coir or coconut husks were added to the planting pits, to retain moisture conditions for a longer period of time.
Representatives from partnering companies expressed their appreciation for the progress made over the last few years. Among them it was Senal Siriwardene from Jetwing who said “over the past years we see marked differences with the efforts put in here that have made a massive difference to the environment and lot of the native vegetation are being put in, pushing the fern cover back. It’s a winning moment for us and all involved in this project”.
Arrangements are being made to sustain the site with the involvement of the project partners, after the fifth and final year of this phase.
Drinking water is high priority say civil engineers
Civil engineers have noted that the country at present faced issues with regard to sustainability and technology when it came to water treatment for the purpose of producing drinking water.
Systems for the purpose of measurement must also be created in relation to water testing, specifically for testing of heavy metals, organic compounds, carbonic waste and priority organic pollutants, the mere presence of minute traces of which are carcinogenic in effect.
Senior Lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Peradeniya, Dr. K.B. Shameen N. Jinadasa explained that appropriate technologies in terms of technologies which were economically, socially, environmentally, culturally, institutionally, administratively and structurally appropriate were not selected and used.
“There are lacunas in this process”, he said.
Another issue is that the systems pertaining to the above are installed separately, according to Jinadasa.
“The country must look at producing and manufacturing membrane filters locally”, Jinadasa further said.
“We should not have to depend on others with regard to membranous filters. When such filters are used in treatment related facilities, and the membrane of the filter breaks, we have to go to the country from which it was imported (China or Japan) or consult an expert in this regard. We must instead find a way to repair them here. We are conducting surveys to look at our weaknesses. This is a long-term process. For self-sustainability, we need a strong foundation and a suitable environment”. (RLJ)
Source – 31/12/2016, Nation, See more at – http://nation.lk/online/2016/12/31/drinking-water-is-high-priority-say-civil-engineers.html
Small creatures of Moragahakanda get a helping hand
Operations to rescue and relocate small wild creatures trapped by the waters of the Moragahakanda reservoir are continuing.
Filling of water at the reservoir began on January 11.
Department of Wildlife Conservation officers with support from volunteers began rescuing wildlife species that had been trapped by the rising waters.
“Giant squirrels, squirrels, wild cats, reptiles, lizards, monitor lizards and snakes top the list of animals that we rescued,” says Wildlife Department’s chief veterinary surgeon, Dr Tharaka Prasad who led the rescue.
These operations are sometimes risky. Video footage show occasions when frightened animals could endanger rescuers.
Dr Prasad said rescued animals were released into nearby forested areas that will not be affected by the waters.
He said rescuers had so far not seen any large animals such as deer, wild boar, and elephants. He believes large animals have already moved to safer ground.
The filling of the reservoir has created 22 small islands which could become refuges for animals.
Earlier, a team lead by the IUCN Sri Lanka (International Union of Conservation of Nature) carried out animal rescues in the area. IUCN Sri Lanka’s Sampath Goonatilake who participated in the operations said a number of plant species that are important and threatened were translocated. The team had also relocated some freshwater fish.
According to IUCN, 80 animal species and 202 different plant species were identified from the affected area. The operation translocated 916 plants belonging to 58 species and a total of 2,414 animals belonging to 46 faunal species (fish and other species) according to IUCN. It also states that monitoring reveals an 84 per cent survival rate of transplanted plant species.
Dr Prasad of the Wildlife Department, said officials will account for the animals saved once the rescue
Minneriya gathering may turn sour for elephants
At Moragahakanda, a dam was built at Elahara across the Amban Ganga to create a reservoir. A second dam will be built at Pallegama in Matale across Kalu Ganga to create the Kalu Ganga reservoir. These two larger water bodies are about 10 kilometres apart and will be linked by a tunnel.
The project aims to provide water for drinking and irrigation for areas in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts. The project also includes a hydropower plant to generate 25 megawatts of electricity.
About 3,500 families had to be resettled due to the project.
It is estimated that 70 per cent of the area affected by the project is forested land and it is believed that the conflicts between elephants and humans will increase. As the project aims to take water to Rajarata, tanks like Minneriya will remain filled during the dry season that lasts from July to about November. Minneriya National Park is famous for being the gathering place of large numbers of elephants every year between June and September. Environmentalists say that Minneriya being filled would be detrimental to the large herds of elephants that come feed on the lush grass growing on the plains in the dry season.By Malaka Rodrigo
Source : 22/01/2017 Sunday Times,See more at:http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170122/news/small-creatures-of-moragahakanda-get-a-helping-hand-225706.html
Trunk trouble for jumbo
A tusker who frequents the Sithulpauwa Rajamaha Viharaya in Kataragama had to go without food or water for over two days after its trunk got stuck in its tusk. However, Veterinary surgeon Dr. Ananda Dharmakeerthi and his team helped the animal to retrieve its trunk and all was well. Pic by Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi.
Source : 22/01/2017 Sunday Times,See more at: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170122/news/trunk-trouble-for-jumbo-225810.html
BEWARE OF WILD ANIMALS COMING INTO VILLAGES, WARNS OFFICIAL
The wild animals in the national parks in the Amapara District may roam into human habitats in the coming days if there were no rains, Asst. Director, Wildlife Conservation Ampara District D.M. Weerasinghe told the Daily Mirror
“The wild animals in the national parks in the district were facing a shortage of drinking water and food,” he said.He said that the animals in the Kumana, Maduru Oya and Lahugala National Parks were in a danger for want of drinking water.However, he said that there was adequate water for a couple of months, but the animals would roam into the villages in search of food.He said that attention of the private sector organizations would be drawn to the need of bowsers and other facilities to provide water to the animals.
He said the water supply system in the Kumana national park provided a skeleton supply of water that could not cover the demand.
Source :20/01/2017 Daily Mirror
Plans to set up natural gas hub in Trinco
Cabinet approval has been sought to establish a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Hub terminal and Storage at the Trincomalee Port for export by Energy World International Ltd, a leading company headquartered in Hong Kong, it is learnt. It is also seeking approval to hand over a 30 acre land on lease for 30 years to the company. This global company submitted a business proposal first way back in 2012 to seek approval. However, the Attorney General observed that the scope of the project was in conflict with the Sri Lanka Electricity Act. Later, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority sought this Company to establish a joint venture with the local authorities for investment. The proposed investment is US $ 300 million. A Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee and a project committee will evaluate the proposal for this project and submit recommendations.(Kelum Bandara)
Source :20/01/2017 Daily Mirror,See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/122475/Plans-to-set-up-natural-gas-hub-in-Trinco#sthash.yAoCrCT7.dpuf
