Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Limited, or PLANT, is a not-for-profit organization established by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), the third oldest conservation entity in the world and the most active conservation body in Sri Lanka. Founded in 2020, PLANT launched the ambitious Emerald Trails initiative, which aims to create a network of forest corridors that connect existing protected areas across the ecologically sensitive, endemic-rich landscapes of the country’s southwestern region. The initiative currently spans over 2,500 acres across more than 20 locations, a mix of partner-owned properties and lands directly owned by PLANT.
“Small forest patches with extremely high biodiversity are the hallmark of Sri Lanka’s unique wilderness and are under immense developmental pressure. WNPS PLANT is leading the charge to protect such locations through private sector engagement. QRFN and RESOLVE, have yet again stepped up to help accelerate this journey through their supportive funding and engagement, this time along with our new partner, Otter Fonds. The endorsement of such partners is extremely critical and has encouraged others to also join this journey, which in turn inspires all of us within the PLANT team. QRFN and RESOLVE, along with Rainforest Trust, were pioneers in financially supporting us at our very outset when others doubted our resolve. Today, PLANT is the largest private reforestation and ecosystem conservation initiative in Sri Lanka.” — Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Chairman of PLANT and Former President, WNPS.
Budunwela Forest Corridor. Photo Credit: WNPS / PLANT
In January 2023, with support from the Quick Response Fund for Nature (QRFN), RESOLVE, the Rainforest Trust (RFT), and local donors, PLANT acquired 3 hectares of an ecologically sensitive forest corridor in Budunwela. Scientific evidence highlighted the area's species diversity and its critical function as a forest corridor. Located near the Uwa Sabaragamuwa provincial boundary, the corridor borders a reserve managed by the Forest Department. Geographically unique, this land belongs to the intermediate zone, characterized by diverse ecosystems and habitats.
The Budunwela area faces increasing pressure from human activities such as illegal gem mining, poaching, and forest clearing. Gem miners had shown strong interest in acquiring land adjacent to this corridor, which would have led to disastrous consequences, including road widening, increased vehicle traffic, and harmful impacts on waterways. Illegal miners often exploit deep forest areas and riverine zones, taking advantage of the under-resourced Forest Department. The presence of wildlife, such as elephants and leopards, is often seen as an obstacle by miners, leading to conflicts where wildlife invariably suffers. In Sri Lanka, over 400 elephants and 100 people are lost each year due to human-elephant conflict, making it the worst-affected country in the world.
As wild spaces rapidly diminish, PLANT responded by proposing the expansion of the forest corridor through the acquisition of adjoining land blocks. Camera trap footage has documented the migration of species, including majestic tuskers (only 7% of male elephants in Sri Lanka have tusks), charismatic leopards, and other elusive wildlife, utilizing this passage. These images and videos are featured on PLANT's website, showcasing the importance of protecting such intricate forest patches. A rapid biodiversity assessment recorded over 440 species, including 75 endemics and 350 native species.
Budunwela Forest Corridor. Photo Credit: WNPS / PLANT
Protecting and connecting these adjoining land blocks improves overall land connectivity and supports restoration work recommended by experts. The PLANT team reached out to QRFN and other donors to help save this critical passage. We were thrilled to receive positive responses, enabling us to secure the property. QRFN’s grant of $27,000 was the largest single contribution, and helped galvanize $35,000 in co-funding from additional donors, enabling PLANT to successfully raise the funds ahead of schedule. In May 2024, PLANT purchased 16.2 acres (6.6 hectares) of land, tripling our footprint and adding significant value to this ecologically intricate wildlife corridor.
The acquisition involved aggregating 16 former small land parcels into a single conservation area. Our current focus is managing invasive species and improving habitat quality for the wildlife that inhabit this locality. Among these species are critically endangered and endangered animals such as the dragonfly Fuhstorfer's Junglewatcher (Hylaeothemis fruhstorferi), the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), and butterfly species like the Plane (Bindahara phocides), Opaque Six-Lineblue (Nacaduba opaca), and the Black Angle (Ctenoptilum vasava), whose chances of survival in Sri Lanka will be greatly enhanced through this conservation effort. The property also provides a refuge for multiple vulnerable species.
Budunwela has united donors, scientists, and volunteers, demonstrating the collective journey PLANT has undertaken. We are grateful to QRFN for their support in realizing this conservation vision. The team is now working to involve universities in restoration projects, promoting evidence-based approaches. Future actions include habitat mapping, programs for graduates and undergraduates, top ridge restoration, community engagement, nursery development, and continuous monitoring of wildlife movements. A second biodiversity study will also be conducted to assess the expanded territory.
Written by Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne (PLANT) and edited by Sanjiv Fernando (QRFN)
