Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Deforestation & Overdevelopment
Arguably Sri Lanka's biggest environmental threat is from deforestation and over-develop-
ment leading to serious habitat loss. At the beginning of the 20th century about 70% of the
island was covered by natural forest. By 2005 this had shrunk to about 20%. Worse, in re-
cent years Sri Lanka has had one of the highest recorded rates of primary-forest destruc-
tion in the world: an 18% reduction in forest cover and 35% loss of old-growth tracts. You
only need to see the huge old-growth trees being cut up at the roadside lumber mills
between Matale and Dambulla to understand that threats to the rainforest are ongoing.
Chena
(shifting cultivation) is blamed for a good part of this deforestation, but irrigation
schemes, clearance for cultivation and land 'development', armed conflict, and, obviously,
illegal logging have all been contributing factors.
The boom in Sri Lanka's economy after peace is also bound to put even more pressure
on the environment. With tourism increasing rapidly, new construction projects are prolif-
erating. And the track record is not good: after the 2004 tsunami, laws were put in place
that banned construction of hotels and restaurants within 100m of the high-tide line, yet at
Unawatuna and many other coastal areas, new buildings were built virtually at the water's
edge.
The Nature of Sri Lanka,
with stunning photographs by L Nadaraja, is a collection of es-
says about Sri Lanka by eminent writers and conservationists.
Responsible Travel in Sri Lanka
The best way to responsibly visit Sri Lanka is to try to be as minimally unintrusive as pos-
sible. This is of course easier than it sounds, but consider the following tips:
Demand green
Sri Lanka's hotel and guesthouse owners are especially accommodating
and as visitor numbers soar, most are keen to give the customers what they want. Share
your environmental concerns and tell your hosts that their green practices - or lack thereof
- are very important to you.
Watch your use of water
Travel in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka and you'll think the is-
land is coursing with water, but demand outstrips supply. Take up your hotel on its offer to
save itself big money, er, no, to save lots of water, by not having your sheets and towels
