Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is home to lush landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and vibrant ecosystems. However, like many island nations, it faces significant environmental challenges, including climate change impacts and rising sea levels. This article highlights the beauty of Sri Lanka, our nursery network and the vital work being done at the Roshland Estate Nursery to restore degraded forests, promote biodiversity, and support local communities. From native tree species to innovative planting techniques, delve into the efforts to create a sustainable future while enhancing eco-tourism opportunities.
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation situated in the Indian Ocean. Due to its close proximity to the equator, Sri Lanka is prone to hot climates – with temperatures averaging (monthly) between 22°C (72°F) and 33°C (92°F) in the lowlands, as well as wet climates via the occasional monsoon rainfall – averaging more than 50 inches (1,270 mm) per year in most parts of the country. The country is also a bustling haven of flora and fauna – with a sizable portion of its land area occupied by forests, grasslands, and a dozen major rivers.
Like many countries, Sri Lanka is also experiencing the adverse effects of climate - caught between harmful droughts from hot seasons and destructive floods brought on by wet season’s heavier rainfalls. Roughly 50 percent of its citizens living in low-lying, coastal areas are also in danger of potentially-imminent sea level rise – a similar dilemma faced by many other island nations with such vulnerabilities.
Roshland Estate Nursery in Sri Lanka
Viewed from the main highway and the “Fool’s Bridge” – a frequently visited tourism spot, this location is a virgin field enriched with red lateral soil, which is ideal for scrub forests and pastures. As it has remained untouched by human activities, along with an initial zero-carbon footprint, it can be catered to SPE’s specific planting techniques.
The consistent rainfall in the vicinity is an enabler for SPE’s rainwater harvesting system, while irrigation is gravity-fed, hence accumulating zero energy and electricity in SPE’s operations.
As it already holds a high reputation for its adventure and nature park hiking trails, its prominent elevation location also makes it a suitable spot to garner attention towards SPE’s activities, and even more so once a carbon sink park is established there.
Its History and Impact
The project began by conducting a comprehensive survey of the area to identify the native tree species that were best suited to the local soil and climate conditions. These species were then propagated and grown in a nursery owned by SavePlanetEarth, before being planted in the degraded area.
The planting of trees was done in a strategic way to promote biodiversity. The project team planted a variety of native tree species, including species that are known to be important for wildlife habitat, such as the Ironwood tree (Mesua ferrea/Nagessarium), which provides food and shelter for many species of birds and mammals.
In addition, the project also involved the local community in the planting and maintenance of the trees. This not only helped to build support for the project but also provided local people with an opportunity to learn about the importance of the forest and their role in its conservation. As the trees grew, the project also helped to bring back the lost biodiversity and also helped to improve the water cycle. The increased tree cover also helped to protect the area from soil erosion and landslides.
The restoration of the forest also attracted eco-tourists, as the area was now home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. This helped to boost the local economy and provided an additional source of income for the local community. Overall, the reforestation project has been successful in restoring the natural forest cover in the area and promoting biodiversity. It has also helped to improve the livelihoods of the local community and promote sustainable economic development through eco-tourism.
Trees in the Roshland Estate Nursery
Below is a short description of some of the tree species used in the operations. More information will be listed in future updates.
Mahogany: Mahogany blooms between April and June, attracting insects to pollinate its blossoms. Its major commercial application is in crafting, but it is also utilised for boat construction and outdoor decking due to its colouring and robust nature, as well as its resistance to wood rot.
Tamarind: Tamarind is well-known for its culinary and medicinal uses; it produces brown, pod-like fruits with sweet, tangy pulp, and is rich in vitamin B and vitamin C, as well as potassium, magnesium, and other minerals. Its medical uses include the treatment of sore throats, constipation, and sunstroke. Tamarind trees are used as ornamental, garden, and cash crop plantings throughout South Asia and the tropical world, and they can also be grown as indoor bonsais in temperate climates. It also helps with nitrogen fixing.
Teak: Like Mahogany, Teak also possesses similar characteristics that make it suitable for crafting and manufacturing. However, it also contains natural oils that make its timbers resistant to termites and other pests. Its leaves are used in a few delicacies in South India as well as Indonesia. The largest teak tree – named Homemalynn 1 – measures 27.5 feet (8.4 meters) in circumference and stands 110 feet (34 meters) tall.
Belly Bamboo: Scientifically known as the Bambusa ventricosa, the Belly Bamboo is a non-invasive evergreen plant. Considered a type of bonsai, it is mostly used for decorative and ornamental purposes. Its long, dark green leaves make it an ideal choice for a privacy screen in warm and/or temperate conditions. It has a high resistance to diseases.
*A total of 40 species are currently designated for the operations. They consist of:
Naminam cynometra cauliflora, Canistel pouteria campechiana, Soursop, Loquats, Madhuca longifolia, Mesua nagassarium, Pomelo citrus grandis, Large guava (Psidium guajava), Jackfruit, Rambutan, Local small mango variety, Wood apple, Mango, Passion fruit, Local guava, Red rose apples, Pepper, Indian beech tree (Pongamia pinnata), Terminalia arjuna, Teak, Tamarind, Golden shower tree (Casia fistula), Mahogany, Sapu (Ginisapu michelia champaca), Koboleela/Orchid tree (Bauhinia varigata), Lagerstroemia speciose, Sal Shorea robusta, Breadfruit, Mara Albezia saman, Bridelia retusa, Cloves, Garcinia (Goraka), Madan black plum (Zysigium cumini), Robarosia, Cocoa, Vaaya, Fishtail palm (Kithul), Albezia lebbek, Pomegranate, Belly bamboo, Grapefruit, Pepper, Cinnamon, Durian.
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