Strengthening Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and
Climate Resilience
Rehabilitating
water tanks in forested areas is not merely an environmental intervention but a
critical strategy for preserving ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and
supporting farming communities in regions where the Climate Smart Irrigated
Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is being implemented. In Sri Lanka, traditional
water tanks have historically played a vital role in water storage,
agriculture, and sustaining wildlife. Over time, however, sedimentation,
structural deterioration, and neglect have reduced the functionality of many of
these tanks.
Recognizing their ecological and socio-economic importance, the CSIAP has initiated a programme to rehabilitate 33 water tanks located within forest areas and an additional 30 tanks situated within 300 metres of forest reservations across the project area. These interventions aim to restore water availability while ensuring harmony between conservation objectives and community needs.
High-Level
Inter-Agency Coordination Workshop
To
obtain the necessary clearance from the Department of Forest Conservation for
the rehabilitation of these tanks, a high-level coordination workshop was held
on 27th at Hotel Kamrel, Kurunegala. The workshop was jointly led by the Ministry
of Agriculture, Land, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,
the CSIAP, and the Department of Forest Conservation.
The workshop served as a platform to align institutional perspectives, address environmental safeguards, and ensure that tank rehabilitation activities are carried out in compliance with forest conservation regulations while maximizing ecological and community benefits.
Key
Benefits of Rehabilitating Tanks in Forest Areas
1.
Enhanced Water Availability
Rehabilitated
tanks provide reliable water sources for wildlife as well as surrounding
farming communities. This contributes to improved agricultural productivity,
particularly for forest-dependent communities, while supporting the overall
health of local ecosystems.
2.
Biodiversity Conservation
Restored
water bodies create habitats for aquatic species and provide essential drinking
water for terrestrial wildlife, thereby strengthening biodiversity conservation
within forest landscapes.
3.
Reduction of Human–Wildlife Conflict
By
ensuring adequate water availability within forest areas, wildlife is less
likely to migrate into human settlements in search of water. This significantly
reduces human–wildlife conflict and enhances safety for both communities and
animals.
4.
Climate Resilience
Well-maintained
water tanks enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems against climate change
impacts. By storing rainwater and recharging groundwater, these tanks act as
buffers during droughts and other climate-induced stresses.
Collaborative
Approach for Sustainable Outcomes
Rehabilitating
tanks in forest areas is an environmentally sound and socially beneficial
practice that aligns with national conservation priorities and sustainable
development goals. The success of such initiatives depends on effective
collaboration among forest conservation authorities, environmental experts, and
local farming communities. In this regard, the CSIAP has taken proactive steps
to bring all relevant stakeholders together to ensure long-term sustainability
and shared ownership of outcomes.
Participation
and Leadership.
Mr. M.A.A.M. Jayarathne, Additional Forest
Conservator General, Mr.
Sumithra Gunathilaka, Forest Conservator, Mr. Wasantha Gajanayake, Forest Conservator, Mr. G. R. P.B. Senarathne, Forest
Conservator, Ms. Devani Jayathilaka, Assistant Forest Conservator and forest
officers representing 11 districts of six provinces in project areas
attended this workshop. The
workshop was chaired by Ms. Anuradha Dharmasena, Director (Development) of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources. Participants included Mr. M.A.A.M. Jayarathne, Additional Forest
Conservator General, along with Forest Conservator, Mr. G. R. P.B. Senarathne,
Forest Conservator, Ms. Devani Jayathilaka, Assistant Forest Conservator and
forest officers and forest officers representing 11 districts across six
provinces within the project area.
The
CSIAP team was led by Project Director Eng. R. M. B. Rajakaruna, supported by
Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists, Environmental Safeguard
Officers, and Social Safeguard Officers. The programme was organised by Dr.
Janaka Jayawardena, Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist of the CSIAP.
