🌳 Why Reforestation Matters More Than Ever
Sri Lanka once had over 80% forest cover—but due to deforestation, agriculture expansion, and urban development, it has dropped to below 30%. The result? Disrupted rainfall patterns, disappearing wildlife, and degraded ecosystems.
However, hope is growing—literally. Across the island, community-based reforestation initiatives are planting the seeds for a greener tomorrow.
🧑🌾 How Local Communities Are Leading the Change
In villages from Anuradhapura to Ella, farmers, youth groups, schoolchildren, and temples are uniting to replant lost forests with native trees like mee, kumbuk, and hora.
These projects aren’t just environmental—they’re deeply social and economic too. Tree planting creates:
- Local jobs (nursery development, watering, fencing)
- Community pride in stewardship
- Eco-tourism opportunities in reforested zones
🐘 Restoring Habitats for Endangered Wildlife
Deforestation has pushed species like the Sri Lankan elephant, purple-faced langur, and pangolin closer to extinction.
Reforesting buffer zones and wildlife corridors:
- Reconnects fragmented habitats
- Reduces human-animal conflict
- Supports long-term biodiversity recovery
Nearth’s work in Monaragala and Matale regions has already restored over 30 acres of native forest since 2023.
🌱 Choosing the Right Trees Matters
Not all trees help. Exotic or fast-growing timber species (like eucalyptus or mahogany) can drain water tables and damage the soil.
That’s why we focus on:
- Indigenous species that support local ecology
- Medicinal trees that preserve cultural knowledge
- Fruit trees to provide food and income to locals
🏫 Education and Long-Term Stewardship
Reforestation is more than planting—it’s nurturing.
That’s why we train local volunteers and students to:
- Monitor growth
- Water during dry seasons
- Track survival rates via mobile apps
- Conduct annual biodiversity assessments
Every sapling planted comes with a community guardian.
📸 Real Stories of Change
“Our village school planted 500 trees last year. Now we have birds returning, and even wild rabbits near the fields again.”
— Thilini, Grade 10 student, Walapane
“Before, this land was dry and dusty. Now the kids play under shade, and we harvest mangoes.”
— Nimal, Farmer, Monaragala
🛠️ How You Can Support
Whether you’re in Sri Lanka or abroad, you can help:
- 🌳 Sponsor a sapling for just LKR 250
- 🤝 Volunteer for our next planting campaign
- 📣 Share this post and raise awareness
Join our reforestation campaign at nearth.org/reforestation-biodiversity
💬 Final Thoughts
In the fight against climate change and extinction, reforestation is one of our most powerful tools. But it’s not governments or corporations leading the charge—it’s people like you.
Together, let’s bring Sri Lanka’s forests—and future—back to life.