An assessment of the contribution of an analog forest as a sustainable land-use ecosystem for the development of rural green economy in Sri Lanka (2013)

Authors: W.K.D.D. Liyanage, S.N. Gamage, G.D.C. Pushpa Kumara, and L. Xulong
Location: Bangamukande and Liyanagamakande Estate, Galle District, Sri Lanka

Bangamukande is a former monoculture plantation successfully transformed into an analog forest. The publication discusses the potential of the analog forestry system to enhance and support the rural green economy in Bangamukande Estate.

  • Two community-based organizations were formed in each division and conducted awareness programs focused on 1) eco-friendly farming and 2) biodiversity conservation.
  • The newly introduced green activities - beekeeping, medicinal herb collection, fruit planting, and eco-tourism - brought to the community an extra income; people from the community planted approximately 4500 different species which resulted in a successful increase in the forest cover.
  • The understanding of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability reduced illegal hunting by 92%, illegal tree felling by 98%, and terminated illegal encroachments.
  • The application of analog forestry in Bangamukande also helped to create biological corridors for animals.
  • Overall, analog forestry implementation brought ecological and economic benefits - protection of the original forest from former exploitation, and support for the local economy by providing alternative forms of income.