IUCN - Sri Lanka Country Office

Wetland Conservation in Sri Lanka
This publication presents the proceedings of the National Symposium on Wetland Conservation and Management held on 19th-20th June 2003 in Colombo. An Introduction to Wetland Conservation in Sri Lanka is followed by ten papers on various themes on wetlands presented by eminent scientists along with the recommendations arising from the symposium.

A Biodiversity Status Profile of Sub-tidal and Inter-tidal Habitats of the Rekawa, Ussangoda and Kalametiya Area
The information presented in this publication is based on a recent survey carried out by IUCN Sri Lanka on the status of biodiversity associated with the Sub-tidal and Inter-tidal Habitats of the Rekawa, Ussangoda and Kalametiya area as part of a larger project to conserve the biodiversity of this globally significant area. The marine biodiversity assessment comprises of status profile of five selected sub-tidal and inter-tidal sites, and general observations made along the entire stretch of coastline.

Haritha Hasuna
Quarterly Newsletter of IUCN Sri Lanka
Initiated in 2002 with financial assistance from the Royal Netherlands Government, the Haritha Hasuna Newsletter features environmental topics of general interest. The World summit on sustainable development, Multilateral Environmental Agreements, Wetlands, Tropical Rain forests and Mangroves are some of the topics. 'Haitha Hasuna' is disseminated free of charge to all government schools with A/L science, public libraries and government departments.

Orchids of Sri Lanka
A Conservationist's companion
This guide seeks to provide an easy to use reference for identifying the native orchid species whose collection and trade is currently regulated by law in Sri Lanka. The dearth of such reference material is an impediment to the enforcement of the laws that regulate the collection of and trade in such species in Sri Lanka, particularly due to the difficulty in differentiating between protected species and those that are not protected but look similar

Trekking in the Knuckles Forest
This guide seeks to provide vital information for the trekkers using Alugallena, Dekinda and nitre cave nature trails. The guide includes an introduction to the Knuckles forest range, useful tips and advice to trekkers and maps of the trails mentioned with lists of identified fauna and flora found along the trails.

Conservation and legal status of the Fauna and Flora of Sri Lanka
This publication aims to support species conservation in Sri Lanka by providing a reference for the purpose of ensuring that legal protection within and beyond Sri Lanka is afforded to the species most in need of it. The publication thus sets out the current conservation as well as the legal status of a significant number of native faunal and floral species of Sri Lanka, at the national and international levels in order to identify any inconsistencies between the conservation and legal statuses that may exist in relation to each species covered. Consequently, the study also examines the relationship between the conservation status of national species populations and the conservation status of the same species at the global level.

Coral Reefs
A resource book for secondary school students
This resource book is targeted to secondary school teachers for use as supplementary resource material, particularly when teaching the subject of biodiversity to Advanced Level students. In order to ensure maximum usage, it has been prepared in English and two national languages Sinhala and Tamil. The book contains colour photographs and diagrams, which would assist in demonstrating the beauty and vulnerability of this valuable marine resource.

A Guide to the Biodiversity of Knuckles Forest Region
The guide provides detailed insight of the biodiversity of the Knuckles forest region gathered during the course of IUCN's extensive fieldwork in the area, it became evident that Knuckles range of forests has tremendous potential for eco-tourism, with its unique blend of nature, culture and adventure. The rich diversity of plants and animals, varying landscapes, panoramic scenery, traditional villages and adventurous treks will certainly be a rewarding experience for a visitor to Knuckles.

Assessment of the Economic Value of Muthurajawela
This study aims to generate information, which can contribute to an understanding of the economic benefits of wetland conservation, economic costs of wetland degradation and loss in Muthurajawela. It also aims to document ways in which economic concerns can be integrated into biodiversity assessment procedures and used within the context of wetland procedures. The information present here is based on the assessment of economic value of Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary, a joint exercise between IUCN Sri Lanka biodiversity Programme and Asia Regional Environmental Economics Programme.

A Biodiversity Status Profile of Bundala National Park
Recent studies have indicated that Bundala, the first Ramsar wetland of Sri Lanka, has been subjected to various threats due to degradation. This survey intends to document the present status of this protected area. This publication includes a checklist of the fauna and flora of Bundala as well as descriptions of the different habitats found the national park. By describing the threats faced by bundala and suggesting strategies for conservation, this publication intends to contribute to the protection and conservation of this globally important wetland.

An Assessment of the Status of Biodiversity in the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary
To safeguard the ecological functions, resources and values of the Muthurajawela wetland sanctuary, IUCN Sri Lanka undertook a systematic survey to document the present status of biodiversity in this coastal wetland. This paper intends to highlight the biodiversity of Muthurajawela, and provide scientific knowledge in a simplified manner to facilitate future initiatives to conserve this valuable coastal wetland ecosystem. An Assessment of the Status of Biodiversity in the Maduganga Mangrove Estuary.
With a view to contributing towards safeguarding the ecological functions, resources and values of the Maduganga estuary for conservation and future sustenance of biodiversity, IUCN Sri Lanka undertook a systematic survey to document the status of biodiversity in this coastal wetland. This paper intends to highlight the biodiversity of Maduganga, and provide scientific knowledge in a simplified manner to facilitate future initiatives to conserve this valuable coastal wetland ecosystem.

Resource Material on Biodiversity for General Certificate of Education (A/Level)
This publication was prepared by IUCN as a resource material for the Biology syllabus of the G.C.E. Advanced Level. It gives an in-depth insight into the different aspects of biodiversity (genetic diversity, ecosystem diversity, species diversity) and describes in detail classification and nomenclature. This publication also addresses evolution of biodiversity, extinction of species and conservation of biodiversity. In addition the appendices provide an extensive resource for further reading on the subject.

The 1999 List of Threatened Fauna and Flora of Sri Lanka.
This publication seeks to provide a list of the species of fauna and flora in Sri Lanka, which are under threat. Indicated in this list is the status of each species, and the degree to which it is endangered. This publication also describes the criteria that are used to evaluate species.

Guide to Bundala - A Guide to the Biodiversity of Bundala National Park - A Ramsar Wetland in Sri Lanka
The information presented in this guide is based on a recent survey on the status of biodiversity associated with the Bundala National Park, carried out by IUCN Sri Lanka. The systematic assessment has enabled to document the habitats, animals and plant species that are currently present in Bundala. As many local and international tourists visit the park, it is envisaged that this general guide will contribute towards increased awareness regarding this globally important site

Tropical Rainforests: A Resource Book for Secondary School Teachers

This trilingual publication provides secondary school teachers in Sri Lanka with supplementary teaching material on tropical rain forests. The book provides them with additional information for classroom work as well as outdoor activities particularly when teaching the subject of biodiversity to Advanced Level students.

Multiple Benefits of Small Irrigation Tanks and their Economic Value A case study in the Kala Oya basin, Sri Lanka

This paper is based on the study conducted in the Kala Oya River Basin, under the project "Integrating Wetland Economic Values into River Basin Management" in collaboration with the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka. The study was to determine the environmental and economic benefits associated with small tanks in the basin, and show how such values can be incorporated into decision-making process of conserving small tanks

A Biodiversity Stat us Profile of Lunama-Kalametiya Wetland Sanctuary
This publication outlines a recent study done by IUCN to assess the biodiversity of the Lunama-Kalametiya Wetland Sanctuary. The occasional paper includes an outline of study methods used, major habitat types and flora of the area, species composition of fauna, threats to biodiversity and recommendations for the conservation of biodiversity in the Lunama-Kalametiya Wetland.