Agro- forestry system to protect both the Sinharaja forest and the peripheral villages (a case study of the southern part of Sin haraja)

Abstract

Sinharaja, a 'Tropical Wet Ever Green Rain Forest' situated between latitude 6° 21' -6026' Nandlongitude 80031' - 80034' E in Sri Lanka is surrounded by more than 27 peripheral villages. Thevillagers have interacted with the forest for many years .The objective of this study is to verify theaptness of introducing the Agro-forestry System into these peripheral villages to protect both theforest and the villages. The villages situated in the southern part of Sinharaja namely, Kosmulla,Thabalagama, Madugeta, Warukandeniyaa and Kollonthotuwa were selected for primary-datacollection. Participatory observation approach is basically used while adhering to the secondary andtertiary data as well. According to study there is a traditional yet unorganized agro-farming systemamong these villagers. So, many cultivated creepers varieties and tree species can be seen in theyards. Also, for years the villagers have used the forest for many purposes. Thus, when the villagersencroach forest the forest tends to decline. Also, due to mono- crop cultivation, especially tea, quality ofsoi! diminishes and tea cultivation has caused many environmental problems. Thus, stabilization ofa systematic Agro- forestry system in these areas would minimize the environmental problems andwould conserve both' Sinharaja' and its peripheral villagers. Further, this kind of stabilization processshould go parallel with the prevalent lifestyles and culture of the villagers. Additionally, that processshould provide villagers with economical advantages. Moreover, plantation of crop verities in the tealands should be encouraged as well as animal husbandry, apiculture and plantation of medicinal plantetc. Yet, the contribution and the sponsorship of the government and non-government organizations,plan and policy making ofscientists and the active participation of the peripheral villagers are essentialto bring these activities into success.