Sri Lanka | < Asia & the Pacific

Reforestation and Watershed Management
Funding source: USAID/Government of Sri Lanka

SECID provided technical assistance and training to the Forest Department
to conserve and stabilize watershed areas in the highland regions of Sri
Lanka as well as enhance the renewable energy base of the country. The
institutional development component of the project consisted of three national
efforts: expanding forestry training at all levels; strengthening forestry research
and development; and establishing a Forest Extension Service.

Outputs over the life of the project were: reforestation and stabilization of 15,000
acres of denuded watershed in the upper Mahaweli Catchment Area; establishment
and maintenance of 35,000 acres of fuel wood plantations; and establishment of
village-run fuel wood plots on a pilot basis in 15 villages. Ten Sri Lankan participants
received Masters degrees and assumed top management positions in the Forest
Department. Almost 350 person-months of short-term training in the United States
and in several Asian countries were completed.