Pilot Project in Controlling the Alien Invasive Species, Mimosa Pigra, in the Bowathanna and Victoria areas by Arunalu Community Development Centre
The Mimosa Pigra, also know as the Giant Mimosa, is one of the most aggressive invasive species in Sri Lanka, causing damages to vast stretches of land in several areas of the country. It can spread throughout ecosystems, converting arable land into unproductive wasteland with low biodiversity. One of the worst affected areas in Sri Lanka, the Bowathanna reservoir, is the focus of this project.
The plant itself is a prickly shrub, which makes it hard to both clear the affected land and also to walk through it. In fact, the Mimosa Pigra had made is impossible for the villagers to get to the nearby reservoir, hampering fishing and bathing. Therefore, through the support of the Arunalu Community Development Centre (ACDC), actions have been made to eradicate the Mimosa Pigra from the area.
To this end, the grantee organization, through community participation, will clear over 20 hectares land. In order to forestall the regrowth of the Mimosa Pigra, 17,000 trees will be planted which will provide canopy cover, preventing the invasive plant's growth, as it cannot grow without sunlight. It is expected that once the areas have been cleared of this invasive species, the local biodiversity will increase and people will be able to access the reservoir more easily. Another benefit is that the wood has been used as firewood by the village.
The plant itself is a prickly shrub, which makes it hard to both clear the affected land and also to walk through it. In fact, the Mimosa Pigra had made is impossible for the villagers to get to the nearby reservoir, hampering fishing and bathing. Therefore, through the support of the Arunalu Community Development Centre (ACDC), actions have been made to eradicate the Mimosa Pigra from the area.
To this end, the grantee organization, through community participation, will clear over 20 hectares land. In order to forestall the regrowth of the Mimosa Pigra, 17,000 trees will be planted which will provide canopy cover, preventing the invasive plant's growth, as it cannot grow without sunlight. It is expected that once the areas have been cleared of this invasive species, the local biodiversity will increase and people will be able to access the reservoir more easily. Another benefit is that the wood has been used as firewood by the village.
Loading map...
Project Snapshot
Grantee:
Arunalu Community Development Centre
Country:
Sri lanka
Area Of Work:
Biodiversity
Grant Amount:
US$ 32,030.00
Co-Financing Cash:
Co-Financing in-Kind:
US$ 10,759.00
Project Number:
SRL/06/06
Status:
Satisfactorily Completed
Project Characteristics and Results
Gender Focus
Both men and women are engaged in project activities.
Replication of project activities
Bowatenna tank is controlled by the Mahaveli Authority. It is used as a stock tank, to release water when necessary for agriculture and power generation. Because of this reason we had to change our programme. We had to clear new plants and stubs once more, and commence with the planting for a second time.
+ View more
SGP Country office contact
Ms. Thanuja Dharmasena
Email:
Ms. Dilisha Gunawardena
Email:
Address
UNDP, 202-204, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, P.O. Box 1505
Colombo 7
Colombo 7
Visit the Sri Lanka Country Page