Diyakothakanda Forest Restoration Project
View(s):
-
- A replanted area
Diyakothakanda is a typical
example of a patch of rain-forest
ravaged for decades by human
intervention and natural
degradation. It comes into view as you approach the sleepy little village of Dikhena at the base of Roonakanda rainforest.
Diyakothakanda which belongs to the Forest Department of Sri Lanka is a denuded hill slope of 2 hectares in extent, subjected to severe erosion over the years due to steepness and lack of vegetation cover of the
mountain, as seen by the exposed rocks throughout the site area.
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) initially embarked
on the Diyakothakanda Forest
Restoration Project with financial support from NatureLife
International (NI) Germany in 2009. The project depended heavily on the students and teachers of the nearby Dikhena Kanishta Vidyalaya (DKV).
In 2015, the project which had virtually come to a halt was restarted with the guidance of Professors
Nimal and Savitrhi Gunatilleke. School children in the area continue to be actively involved in the project.