The communities of these villages had a lifestyle closely related to the forest in the past. After the forest was declared a conservation forest, the villagers had to leave from the forest. Their livelihoods such as chena cultivation and cardamom cultivation had to be ceased. With the rise of poverty due to lack of income sources, again these communities had to rely on the forest in illegal ways which were disturbing the eco system of the conservation forest.

The main watersheds that provide water to recently constructed Moragahakanda Kaluganaga reservoirs are in this mountainous area. So the watersheds have to be conserved in view of water security of the future generations.

Pitawala Pathana is considered as the the most important place in the world heritage knuckles area. More than 100,000 people annually visit the place. The natural eco system is disturbed by the increasing human activities inside the Pathana. The visitors knowingly or unknowingly do various damages to the natural environment such as removing plants, lighting fires inside the Pathana etc.

The following are the main outputs of this project:

? Biodiversity of 40ha. of Kncukles area conserved through community based reforestation.
? Six water sheds restored.
? Standard of living of 50 low income families developed.
? Biodiversity in Pitawala Pathana area conserved.
? Forest reserve conserved through public & school awareness programs.