Project Detail

Community Based biodiversity conservation for Kodigahakanda by Mihithala Mithuro Environment Development Foundation

Biodiversity assessment, conservation of water streams, eco tourism promotion

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Mihithala Mithuro Environment Development Foudation

Country:

Sri lanka

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

OP5-Y3 (Jul 13 - Jun 14)

Grant Amount:

US$ 49,155.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 31,499.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 2,666.00

Project Number:

SRL/SGP/OP5/STAR/BD/2013/02

Start Date:

12/2013

End Date:

7/2015

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

A Biodiversity survey is being carried out in order to quantify the positive impacts of the project. The ultimate target is to establish a community based forest sanctuary within this 12.5 hectare of forest fragment, once success this can be use as a superior model in similar cases.

Planning non gef grant

A private investor, Quantum Clothing Company (Pvt) Ltd. contributes to some of the conservation work. ?Pun Pun? organization from Thailand assisted and continuously providing guidance in developing natural/ herbal products.

Replication of project activities

Continuation of a series of social awareness workshops and continuation of eco-adventure training sessions

Policy Influence

Declared as a Forest reserve by Provincial Council of Western Province Request made to the parliament to declare Kodigahakanda fragmented forest as a Sanctuary recognized by the Department of Wildlife Conservation

Gender Focus

From the beginning women of the community have been making a considerable contribution towards the project. At present the top positions of the kodigahakanda nature reserve foundation are held by women including the posts of secretary, community coordinator, treasurer etc. Also active female members among the Kodigahakanda youth society contribute significantly to the success of the project.

Planning gef grant

N/A

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

Not applicable

Policy Impact

Not applicable

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

The center for biodiversity and the watch tower is in its building phase. When the construction is completed, the building can accommodate around 30 people with a museum of biodiversity and cultural artifacts inside. Also Mihithala mithuro is diversifying the area in to a environmental friendly eco adventure site .The organization is working with Sri Lanka SEALS organization to establish a profitable eco adventure program.

Project sustainability

The project constantly generates an environmental friendly income source via Eco adventure Park. They also produce herbal products which is currently under the process of certification

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

Theoretical and practical knowledge required for the bee cultivation is disseminated among the beneficiaries. Fruit plants and medicinal plants including Alovera is grown in beneficiary home gardens under the supervision of Kodigahakanda nature reserve foundation.

Notable Community Participation

There are fifty landowners cultivating over 10 hectares, using stone hedges and live fences under the guidance of the project for the land preparation processes in order to minimize the land degradation. There are 12 members within 16 to 24 age category .They contribute labor in the construction work, work as nature guide through the nature trail and are active in eco adventure activity establishment process.

Capacity - Building Component

capacity building programmes on Biodiversity assessment, conservation of water streams and eco tourism promotion In addition to the main project work, an awareness program is ongoing on house hold violence and child abuse with the aid of Moragahahena Police officers.

Project Results

1. The fragmented forest patch with a high biodiversity value was protected and developed under the GEF/SGP project while conserving the available water resources for the beneficiaries.

2. Eco-Adventure Park which was developed under the GEF/SGP has created an income generation strategy that ensures the sustainability of the project.

3. Ecosystem services provided by the Kodigahakanda reserve and the biodiversity value of it has created environmental friendly alternative income generation methods for the beneficiaries.

4. Technical skills and scientific knowledge required for the long term forest conservation activities have been developed among the beneficiary community.

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Indicators

Biophysical

Hectares of globally significant biodiversity area protected or sustainably managed by project 12

Biophysical

Number of local policies informed in biodiversity focal area 1

Empowerment

Number of CBOs / NGOs participated / involved in SGP project 1

Empowerment

Number of women participated / involved in SGP project 50

Empowerment

Innovative financial mechanisms put in place through SGP project 1

Empowerment

Number and type of support linkages established with national government institutions 1

Empowerment

Total additional in cash or in kind support obtained for sustaining, up-scaling, and replicating SGP supported project (in US dollars) 2

Livehood

Number of households who have benefited* from SGP project 50

Livehood

Number of individuals (gender diaggregated) who have benefited* from SGP project 80

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