Ecological Survey and Priority Species Translocation in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas of North Western Province Canal Project (NWPCP)

While the proposed NWPCP will enhance the water availability for agriculture, increase production as well as to improve the socio-economic status of communities, the project will also have significant short and long-term environmental impacts, especially on the wildlife in the project affected area. Based on the findings of the EIA study conducted for the NWPCP, three major impacts on wildlife have been identified: 1) Loss of habitat for flora and fauna; 2) Habitat fragmentation and loss of critical species; and 3) The escalation of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).

The Wildlife Management Plan including Human-Elephant Conflict Management and Mitigation for the North Western Province Canal Project (NWPCP) has also recommended rescue and translocation of selected prioritized species from the forest clearance site due to the project activities.  Carrying out this task—rescue and translocation—was thus assigned to IUCN Sri Lanka country office.

Objectives of the project

1. Carry out a detailed baseline ecological survey in the ecologically sensitive areas identified in the EIA/ Wildlife Management Report (June 2015/2016)

2. Species translocation in the project affected ecologically sensitive habitats at Kahalla-Pallekele Sanctuary

Expected Outputs (or Outputs, if project already done)

1 Inception report

2 Final report of the ecological survey and conservation programme

Donor/s:  Mahaweli Water Security and Investment Programme, North Western Province Canal Project (NWPCP)

Partner/s: Department of Wildlife Conservation