Keeping everyone informed
In a landmark collaboration that blends ecological stewardship with cultural heritage, the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, through its partner The Lunuganga Trust, has joined with the Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Limited (PLANT), to restore and further protect two island locations in the mangrove rich southern region of Sri Lanka. Launched with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed recently, this long-term initiative revolves around Honduwa and Appaladuwa, two ecologically significant but often overlooked islands nestled in the tranquil waters of the Bentota lagoon, a news release from the Wild Life and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) said.
Among the lush greenery in dense forests, they hide behind large tree trunks. You may even see them perched on top of trees, some with their cubs, others alone. Some like the shade and lie on the ground, their bodies touching the cool green grass. Others prefer the hot sun. It is their majestic presence that attracts thousands of visitors, both local and foreign to the national parks of Sri Lanka – to witness that breathtaking sight of a leopard in all its glory.
Mannar, SRI LANKA — The Vidattaltivu Nature Reserve, nestled along Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast in the Mannar district, is home to one of the island country’s largest and most ecologically significant mangrove ecosystems. Recognizing its immense biodiversity value, Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation DWC designated Vidattaltivu as a nature reserve in 2016, bestowing upon it the highest level of legal protection under Sri Lankan law.
Once draped in myth, mystery, and majesty, the Sri Lankan leopard (Pantheraparduskotiya) — the island’s top predator and apex carnivore — now finds itself in the limelight of a harsher reality. Although celebrated as a national wildlife treasure, its existence and more so what it represents – the great wild – is being increasingly challenged by the very force that once admired it from afar: humanity.
I have a suggestion for everyone who loves Wilpattu and Neluma. For those of you who love to see leopards in the park, please look for other leopards when you go there next, and not Neluma. He can do with some peace and quiet for the remainder of his time, in what is essentially his wilderness/park.
In a significant step for both ecological restoration and women empowerment, three female-led native plant nurseries are being launched in Sri Lanka’s montane highlands through a collaboration b”etween WNPS PLANT (Preserving Land and Nature Guarantee Ltd) and the Dutch foundation Otter Fonds, WNPS said last week.