Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustenance of Ecosystems services in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)

Project period

January 2019- April 2019

Funded by

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

‘Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustenance of Ecosystems services in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)’ was a GEF funded project, implemented by the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment (MMDE) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). EFL was the technical partner facilitating the implementation of the project.

The primary objective of the project was to develop mechanisms to mainstream biodiversity management into development frameworks in areas of high conservation significance, outside protected area networks.

The Kala Oya river basin has been identified as a location of environmental significance and a region also experiencing rapid development and change. Therefore, biodiversity-friendly ESA management for the long term integrity and resilience of both biodiversity and communities is sought via ESA management.

EFL consultancy team in close consultation with local, regional and national stakeholders developed co-management plans for 3 identified sites along the basin of;