Scientific Basis of Agroforestry Homegardens in Matara District, Sri Lanka: Present Status and Improvement Needs

High diversity of species in agroforestry homegardens play main agro-ecological roles in complex and sustainable land use systems. Efforts are being made in valuing and protecting the age-old practices of agroforestry on scientific basis in homegardens. This study attempted to analyse the scientific basis of households’ practices and to develop strategies for the promotion of sustainable agroforestry homegardens in Matara district of Sri Lanka. Selected households were interviewed measuring their concern using 5-point Likert scale, and analysed the qualitative data using non-parametric statistics. The study revealed that scientific basis of household practices in agroforestry homegardens are moderate in selection of appropriate trees and plants, and management of trees and plant health care. Households pay little concern on scientific basis in planning and site placement, land preparation and establishment of trees/crops, and implementing proper cultural practices. There is no significant correlation between scientific basis of practices in agroforestry in relation with size of homegardens, educational level of households, and across the category of their occupations. Resources to use scientific knowledge in practice, and opportunity to improve scientific skills have moderate correlation significantly while availability of scientific information and access to scientific knowledge have significant but low correlation as applying knowledge on scientific basis. The interest to acquire scientific knowledge, and sufficient time to improve scientific knowledge, and other reasons have no significant correlation with scientific basis of household practices. Carefully planned interventions including policy adjustments and effective extension programs for learning and experimenting together with supportive programs would enhance scientific basis of household practices for agroforestry in homegardens.

Ecotourism Development and Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka: Objectives, Conflicts and Resolutions

Biodiversity conservation and sustainably utilizing natural resources improve the benefits of ecotourism development. Ecotourism development makes values for sustainably using biodiversity creating economic development opportunities. This study reviews literature and reveals objectives, conflicts and resolutions for achieving biodiversity conservation through ecotourism development in Sri Lanka. This paper describes conservation objectives in terms of preserving and fostering biodiversity, habitat restoration and managing biodiversity, and making values for natural assets through ecotourism activities. Degradation and destruction of habitat, overexploitation and illegal extraction of species, emissions of greenhouse gasses for climate change, contamination and pollution of the environment, and spread of exotic species are identified as the main conflicts. Conservation resolutions are discussed on education and awareness-raising activities for biodiversity conservation, in-situ conservation and ex-situ preservation of species, integrating biodiversity into ecotourism development, integrating management of biodiversity and ecotourism, linking ecotourism industry and conservation organizations, ecotourism policy and legislations for biodiversity conservation, and imposition of rules and regulations. Policy solutions and building capacity among institutions and other stakeholders for governance and sustainable conservation of biodiversity are key for sustainable ecotourism development.

Climate Change Impacts, Agroforestry Adaptation and Policy Environment in Sri Lanka

Despite its low emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs), Sri Lanka is considered as a vulnerable small island nation under climate change. Agroforestry, which uniquely integrates trees into land use systems, has historically contributed to climate change adaptation in Sri Lanka. Hence, the promotion of agroforestry practices is vitally important to enhance the resiliency of the country to future climate change. This paper reviews the literature and discusses the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture and forestry, the effects of adapting agroforestry on climate changes, and important policies for promoting agroforestry adaptation in Sri Lanka. The adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture and forestry are identified as follows: endangerment of natural assets;prevalence of pests, diseases and invasive species;agriculture and forest damage;and high levels of food insecurity. The adaptation of agroforestry impacts climate change by increasing the tree cover outside forests, enhancing forest carbon stocks, conserving biodiversity, reducing risks and damage intensity, maintaining health and vitality, and scaling up multiple benefits. Changing regulations and legislation, developing awareness and capacity, planning for climate-smart agroforest landscapes, offering no-regret options and implementing climate change adjustment programs are discussed as important policy measures. It is concluded that agroforestry, along with favourable policy, has an important role in climate change adaptation by enhancing resilience to climate impacts on farming systems.