Mahaweli environment

ES covers the period 1982-12/85 and summarizes a GSL/AID/consultant mid-term evaluation based on document review, interviews with project personnel, and site visits (PD-AAS-873). While there has been significant progress in legally establishing the Mahaweli protected areas, little or no progress has been made in developing buffer zones, enriching habitats, or constructing park facilities. Wildlife conservation has been inadequately addressed and local participation is well below expected levels. Only 6% of A.I.D. funds have been disbursed, due to, inter alia, problems in administration (which has been a source of major difficulties due to vague lines of authority), sporadic DWLC support, overcentralized decisionmaking, and poor coordination among DWLC and other involved institutions. TA and training have worked relatively well, but could be improved: while in-country workshops demonstrated potential for developing DWLC personnel, coordination, participation, and follow-up were less than satisfactory. Insurgent activity has had a major impact, impeding development of the Somawathiya Sanctuary as a national park; resources planned for this activity may be redirected to finance project revisions. Lessons learned are: (1) a long-term advisor in the early years would have prevented or lessened many implementation problems; (2) projects calling for substantial construction require implementing agencies with proven expertise in this field (the construction component is beyond the capacity of the DWLC); and (3) extra effort must be devoted to ensuring effective administrative arrangements on projects implemented by an agency of unproven administrative capability. The project purpose as stated is unrealistic (greater emphasis is needed on creating an interagency mechanism to support the DWLC), but, given the project"s importance, continuance is recommended, with a major GSL and USAID effort to correct problems; if progress is evident by the end of 1986, the project should be extended by 2 years to compensate for slow implementation in 1982-85.