The beauty of our natural landscapes lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in their vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Recognising this importance, the Ministry of Environment has launched a ground-breaking initiative called the Vanaspathi program. This ambitious national program aims to protect and preserve forests that provide indispensable services to our planet and its inhabitants, aligning with the objectives of the new national environmental policy and reaffirming our commitment to the Paris Agreement.
A heritage of conservation and a need for urgency
The Vanaspathi program builds upon a long-standing heritage of forest conservation that dates back centuries, both in Sri Lanka and globally. In Sri Lanka, efforts to safeguard forests began during colonial times with the creation of reserves to protect timber resources, followed by post-Independence policies such as the establishment of national parks such as Yala in 1938, which laid the foundation for modern environmental stewardship.
Over the decades, progressive laws and conservation initiatives have aimed to strike a balance between development and preservation, but rapid urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructural growth have continued to threaten these vital ecosystems. Globally, organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity have underscored the urgent need for early intervention, community involvement, and robust legal protections.
Lessons from these efforts highlight that sustainable conservation depends on proactive measures and inclusive participation. Recognising these insights, the Ministry of Environment has launched the Vanaspathi program as a decisive step forward—aimed at identifying and protecting rich, bio-diverse forest patches before they are lost forever. Unlike previous initiatives that primarily focused on creating new forests, this program emphasizes recognising and conserving existing critical ecosystems, which serve as living biodiversity libraries, carbon sinks, and cultural sanctuaries.
It is a response to the pressing reality that, without immediate action, the acceleration of deforestation risks undermining biodiversity, climate stability, and the livelihoods that depend on these forests—thus shaping the future of environmental stewardship in Sri Lanka.
The necessity of protecting forests A critical time for action
The urgency of protecting forests cannot be overstated. Across the globe, natural habitats are shrinking at an alarming rate, leading to the extinction of countless species and intensifying climate change. However, within our own country, we are fortunate to have access to untouched and minimally disturbed forest patches, teeming with endemic flora, rare fauna, and fragile ecosystems. These pockets of biodiversity represent a precious resource that requires immediate protection.
Legal protection for forests
By gazetting these forest patches, the Ministry aims to provide them with legal protection, making it illegal to encroach upon, exploit, or harm them. This initiative effectively draws a clear line between development and preservation, sending a compelling message that our nation values its natural heritage. The Vanaspathi program serves to challenge the dangerous misconception that these forests are idle lands awaiting clearance for agriculture, roads, or urban development. Instead, every forest patch is recognised as a web of life, contributing to the well-being of both humans and wildlife.
Understanding the ecosystem services of forests
The Vanaspathi program embodies a comprehensive approach to forest conservation, emphasizing an array of enhanced ecosystem services that are vital for both economic development and social welfare. By preserving forests, the program not only safeguards biodiversity and promotes air and water quality but also fosters essential services such as carbon sequestration, soil stabilisation, and habitat provision for wildlife. These ecosystem services contribute significantly to the country’s economic development by supporting industries such as ecotourism, sustainable forestry, and organic agriculture, which can provide reliable livelihoods for local communities.
The economic value of these ecosystem services—estimated in billions of rupees—plays a critical role in informed decision-making. By quantifying the benefits that forests offer, policymakers can prioritise sustainable land-use practices and allocate resources effectively, ensuring that environmental conservation goes hand in hand with economic growth. Ultimately, the Vanaspathi program not only enhances ecological stability but also ushers in pathways for prosperity, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the environment, economy, and social well-being in Sri Lanka’s development agenda.
Integrating national efforts: Resilience and climate commitments
Amid the ambitious goals of the Vanaspathi program, Sri Lanka’s broader commitment to addressing climate change cannot be overlooked. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which emphasize building resilience across key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity. As Sri Lanka aims to increase forest cover by 32 percent by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14.5 percent over the decade, the Vanaspathi Program is essential to sustaining these efforts.
The protection of forests not only enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services but also plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change impacts. By safeguarding these natural resources, Sri Lanka reinforces its dedication to a low-carbon future, ensuring that both the environment and local communities thrive in harmony. Engaging local populations in forest conservation efforts will further strengthen the nation’s resilience against climate challenges, fostering a collective commitment to preserving these vital ecosystems for generations to come.
Biodiversity and traditional knowledge
Underneath the forest canopy, numerous medicinal plants are known solely to local healers, while specific tree species provide nesting habitats for birds. Insects call these trees home, pollinating crops across long distances and, significantly, rivers and streams originating from these forests supply water to nearby villages. Rather than being unused lands, forests function as active ecosystems that perform irreplaceable services vital to human survival.
The wealth of clean nature
True wealth should not merely be measured in terms of currency. It is enriched by clean air, pure water, fertile soil, and resilient ecosystems. The forests designated under the Vanaspathi program are considered forms of ecological wealth, offering oxygen, carbon storage, climate regulation, and livelihood opportunities through ecotourism, sustainable harvesting, and preservation of traditional knowledge.
Cultural significance
These forests carry cultural significance as well. They are ancestral lands and sites of traditional ceremonies, playing an integral role in the identities of many indigenous and local communities. By recognising and protecting these spaces, the Vanaspathi program affirms the rights of these communities to their land and acknowledges their stewardship of the environment.
Gazetted forests under the Vanaspathi program
Several forests across various districts are set to receive official recognition and protection under the Vanaspathi program.
Ampara District
Palakuda mangrove forest patch: Covering an area of 113 hectares, this bio-diverse forest patch provides crucial habitats for migrating birds, as well as various species of prawns and crabs.
Karangawa forest: This forest is another significant biodiversity hotspot in the Ampara District. It plays a vital role as the watershed area for the Karangawa water tank.
Badulugioda forest: This key area supports rich biological diversity and primarily provides habitats for animals such as deer and sambhurs, which feed exclusively on tree materials. It exhibits characteristics of a dry mixed evergreen forest.
Panama North forest: Located near the Kumbukkan Conservation Forest and Kumana National Sanctuary, this forest offers significant environmental benefits and sustains local wildlife. Its eastern boundary is adjacent to a beautiful beach.
Moneragala District
Argare forest: A dry monsoon forest type that consists of trees including Suriyamara, Gammalu, Bulu, Welan, Maila, Ehala, Kenda, Kubuk, and Kitul.
Bandarawadiya forest: This area is characterised by dry monsoon and savannah-type forest, featuring trees such as Suriyamara, Gammalu, Bulu, Welan, Maila, and Ehala.
Ebattahela forest: A dry monsoon forest in the Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat area.
Kandeyaya forest: Another dry monsoon forest found in the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat area.
Kudagodakanda forest: This dry monsoon forest type is situated in the Moneragala Divisional Secretariat area.
Millakele forest: Located in the Moneragala Divisional Secretary area, this is also classified as a dry monsoon forest.
Poramadulle forest: A dry monsoon forest located in the Buttala Divisional Secretariat area.
Wantibbagoda forest: Found in the Moneragala Divisional Secretary area, this forest exemplifies the dry monsoon forest type.
Weliara forest: Also classified as a dry monsoon forest, it is in the Buttala Divisional Secretariat area.
Weheragala forest: This dry monsoon forest is situated in the Moneragala Divisional Secretariat area.
Moving forward: A commitment to conservation
The Vanaspathi program serves as a critical step towards ensuring the future well-being of both our natural environment and its human inhabitants. By recognising and preserving forests, we are safeguarding ecosystems that have sustained life for generations and ensuring their continued viability for future generations.
Community involvement and awareness
To achieve its objectives, the Vanaspathi program must promote community involvement and raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation. Fostering a sense of stewardship among local communities will encourage them to participate in protecting these natural resources. Educational campaigns, workshops, and collaborative efforts with local groups can empower citizens to become advocates for preserving their environments.
Policy integration and support
The implementation of the Vanaspathi program will also require strong policy integration. Supporting legislation that reinforces the protection of reserved forests, along with monitoring and compliance mechanisms, will be essential for the long-term success of this initiative. Investing in research and data collection to better understand forest ecosystems will inform management practices that prioritise sustainability.
The Vanaspathi program is a ground-breaking initiative that honours our forests as vital ecosystems worth protecting. By gazetting these areas as reserved forests, we are sending a clear message about the importance of conservation in our nation’s agenda. As we move forward, the commitment to protecting and preserving our forests will not only contribute to biodiversity conservancy but will also shape the future well-being of the people who depend on these forests for their livelihoods, cultural heritage, and health.
In this age of climate change and environmental degradation, the time is now for all citizens to embrace this mission and work together towards a more sustainable and harmonious existence with nature. Through the Vanaspathi program, we are reminded that our forests are not just trees; they are living communities that provide for us and deserve our utmost care and protection.
National initiative
The Vanaspathi program is more than a national initiative—it is part of a global movement to combat biodiversity loss and climate change. Protecting our forests is a moral imperative that aligns with international commitments like the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
As individuals, communities, and policymakers, our collective efforts can create systemic change. Let us remember: forests are not just trees—they are the lungs of our planet, the custodians of our cultural heritage, and the foundation for a sustainable future. Join us in embracing this vital mission to ensure that future generations inherit a world rich in biodiversity, ecological resilience, and hope.
