Sri Lanka, biological diversity and tropical forests : status and recommended conservation needs

After an initial review of the pertinent historical, physical, legislative, and institutional issues, the study presents a summary description of Sri Lanka"s biological (forest, crop/livestock, wildlife, coastal and marine, and wetland) resources. Subsequent sections describe: (1) the status and management of protected areas and endangered species; (2) the extent of conservation outside of protected areas, covering the management of natural ecosystems, the impacts of development projects, ex situ conservation (e.g., botanic and zoological gardens); and (3) the conservation of species and germplasm of economically important agricultural, horticultural, and plantation crops. Key conservation-related issues are identified, as are the major actions needed to promote future conservation and sustainable management of the country"s biological resources. Priority recommendations are to: (1) modernize and systematize existing legislation, (2) coordinate resource planning and management institutions; (3) upgrade resource management and conservation staff capabilities; (4) improve the information base on the country"s biological resources; and (5) promote environmental awareness. Priority interventions for conserving forest, wildlife, coastal/marine, wetland, and crop/livestock resources are also identified.