Conservation Revisited

Abstract

This paper proposes that Sri Lanka's nature conservation efforts are hampered by the lack of a clear understanding of the meaning of the word conservation. This lack of understanding then impedes effective implementation of conservation actions. It revisits terminology to obtain clarity of the definition of conservation. Inherent in many current definitions are the following. 1) Humans are integral to conservation biology. Anthropogenic activities drive the loss of biodiversity, necessitating conservation, but humans must be a part of the solution; 2) Preservation, maintenance, enhancement, restoration and sustainable use are all elements of conservation. The difference between preservation and conservation is clarified. The paper assesses gaps in current conservation measures, as: 1) lack of practice of true conservation in Sri Lanka that includes all its elements; 2) lack of focus on landscape-scale conservation; 3) lack of focus outside protected areas; 4) lack of negotiation with decision-makers using a tender that is understood by them; 5) lack of congruence between conservation knowledge and conservation practice; 6) complacency with regard to Red Listing™; 7) inadequate prioritisation of conservation research; 8) inadequate predictive research; 9) lack of research on the impact of climate change on species and ecosystems; and 10) focus on a sectoral, rather than a holistic approach. The paper concludes by providing recommendations for future actions.

Multi-Decadal Forest-Cover Dynamics in the Tropical Realm: Past Trends and Policy Insights for Forest Conservation in Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

“…Moreover, Sri Lanka's governmental organizations with jurisdiction over forested landscapes have not been effective in research or long-term monitoring that lead to a scientifically robust data collection. Future amendments in Sri Lanka's natural resource policies should support research and long-term monitoring [20]. The conservation focus should shift from strict preservation to active management.…”

Climate change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems in Sri Lanka: a review

“…Much of the climate research in Sri Lanka has been focused on the analysis of climatic variations over the past several decades, predicting the future climatic changes (de Costa, 2008;Jayawardene et al, 2015) and their impacts on agriculture and the adaptation strategies needed for a specific sector and for food security (Wijeratne et al, 2007a;Peiris et al, 2008;Esham & Garforth, 2013). However, very little attention has been paid to the impact of climate change on species and ecosystems in Sri Lanka (Miththapala, 2015).…”

“…The critical humidity dependence of Philautus eggs makes them vulnerable to even short periods of desiccation. Global warming could therefore place this fauna at risk, although arboreal nesters appear to be more immediately threatened than ground nesters Miththapala, 2015).…”

The biogeography and ecology of Sri Lankan mammals point to conservation priorities

“…Variations in habitat properties have also been assessed, under GAP analyses, with a view towards watershed management and ecosystem conservation (Jayasuriya et al, 2006) and the reduction of forest cover loss (Mattsson et al, 2012). Such data would be invaluable for future ecological studies and conservation applications (Pethiyagoda, 2012b;Miththapala, 2015).…”

“…Either way, to date, conservation has been comparatively cost free. Safeguarding biodiversity requires a reassessment of national priorities (Miththapala, 2015), the elevation of biodiversity rich habitats to the status of an essential public resource, and science-based management policy (Fernando, 2015a). There is no monetary value that can be assigned to a national treasure, but perhaps an enlightened populace can be engaged in a greener economy (Gunatilleke, 2013(Gunatilleke, , 2015.…”