Atanwela & Rathninda are two isolated villages in the Laggala DS situated along the Theligamu river. The communities had close relationship with the forest in the past. After the Knuckles conservation forest was declared, the communities had started cultivating bean, tomatoes and tobacco with heavy chemical inputs. This is a huge threat to the sensitive catchment areas of the Theligamu river which supplies water to major irrigation schemes. As a result of this inappropriate farming practices productivity of the farming lands has been reduced. Therefore the farmers have low incomes and have less capacity to adapt to climate change. Some of the villagers are working as tourist guides in the area but the income they receive is not sufficient.

The following are the main outcomes of this project:

? CSO members and government officers informed about the project
? Sustainable land use improved for enhanced agro ecological productivity
? Bio diversity conserved around Theligamu river
? Improved facilities for ecotourism