PROJECT PROPOSAL. Development of Nature Based Tourism in Sinharaja -Pitadeniya MAY 14, 2017

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1 PROJECT PROPOSAL Development of Nature Based Tourism in Sinharaja -Pitadeniya MAY 14, 2017 ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PROJECT DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICE, MATARA - FOREST DEPARTMENT

2 I PROJECT PROPOSAL COVER SHEET Project Title: Nature-based tourism in PA's Applicant Name of the Primary Department/Organization: Mailing Address: Address: Divisional Forest Office, Matara No. 20, Isadeen Town, Ramya Rd, Matara No. 20, Isadeen Town, Ramya Rd, Matara Telephone: Fax: Principal Officer: G. R. P. B. Senaratne, Divisional Forest Officer, Project Contact: G. R. P. B. Senaratne, Divisional Forest Officer, If the proposal contains field-based activities, contacts of the responsible staff in the field: - Name of the Secondary Department/Organization: - Contact Details: Project Contact: (name, position and contact telephone number) Page 1 of 20

3 II PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1. Project Background Sinharaja Forest Reserve is located in the southwest of Sri Lanka at N and E in the southern part of the wet zone. It lies between the tributaries of the Kalu Ganga (in the North) and the Gin Ganga (in the South) and extends within the administrative districts of Galle, Matara and Ratnapura, in the Southern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. The word Sinharaja means Lion (Sinha) King (raja). This area was declared as a forest reserve in 1875 and as an International Man and the Biosphere Reserve in Subsequently it was declared as a National Heritage Wilderness Area in 1988 and in the following year it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The extent of the Sinharaja is 11,185 hectares. Sinharaja spreads over an elevation range of 200 to 1,150m above mean sea level. There are about nine prominent peaks ranging from 575m to 1,170m of which the Northeastern peak of Hinipitigala is the highest. The terrain is generally rolling, with a series of ridges and valleys that are crisscrossed by an intricate network of streams, whilst some parts of the Eastern section of the forest consist of plains. The Sinharaja forest is one of the most important watersheds in the island, with several streams draining into the Kalu Ganga and Gin Ganga rivers. Mean annual rainfall varies between mm without a distinct dry period and most of the precipitation records during the south-west monsoon (May-July) and the north-east monsoon (November- January). Mean annual temperature is between C. The vegetation type of Sinharaja consist mainly of primary and secondary tropical Lowland wet evergreen rainforests with a few patches of lowland, montane forest and grassland habitats in areas of higher altitude. Vertical stratification of the vegetation is very clear and can easily be distinguished. The top most layer consists of very tall (over 45 m) emergent trees such as Hora, Boo-hora, Dorana and Dun. The second layer which rises to meters consists of Batu-Na, Atamba, Wal-Del, Liyan, and Nawada whose branches are interlock to form a closed canopy. Dawata, Hedawaka, Kitul, and Walukeena are in the third layer with average height of meters. Below these layers are under story layer (5-20 m), shrub layer (2-4 m) and ground layer (below 1m). There are 337 woody plant species in Sinharaja that include192 endemic species, 30 nationally threatened and 116 globally threatened species. This is the highest number of woody plant species recorded in any single forest in Sri Lanka. Floristics of Sinharaja exhibits the climax or dynamic equilibrium vegetation type where there is no net increase or decrease in the biomass of living organism which is one of the most Page 2 of 20

4 fragile and least resilient ecosystems in the world. It also acts as a repository of the valuable germplasm of plant species whose usefulness and potential human value is yet to be discovered. Sinharaja witnesses the highest range of floristic richness and the highest proportion of endemics among the woody vegetation having the traces of gondwanic flora that have evolved over a long period of geological time scale. Sinharaja provides shelter for a wide variety of animals ranging from slow moving land snails to the charismatic leopard. Over 140 families of fauna are recorded from Sinharaja. There are 19 fish species, 33 amphibians, 71 reptile species, 147 bird species, and 44 mammal species in Sinharaja. About 60% of the country s native birds and all 33 endemic birds including recently discovered SerendibScops Owl can be seen in Sinharaja. One of the most enchanting display of color to be found in Sinharaja is the sight of mixed species foraging bird flocks, a phenomenon found in rain forests. Two endemic species of monkeys, kaluwandura (black monkey) and purple faced leaf monkey can be seen there. Other mammals in Sinharaja include sambur, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, golden palm civet, small flying squirrel, fishing cat and rusty spotted cat. A very lucky visitor can get a glimpse of the biggest cat, Sri Lankan leopard (Pantheraparduskotiya), who lives within the deep reaches of the jungle. Around 65 species of butterflies with several endemics, including Ceylon rose, the tree nymph and the common bird wing are found in Sinharaja. There is a wide array of spiders, reptiles, fresh water fish and amphibian fauna in Sinharaja forest Due to scenic, environmental, sociological and cultural resources many local and foreign tourists visit Sinharaja. There are three access point namely as Pitadeniya, Kudawa, and Morningside. Latter mentioned two entry points are situated in Ratnapura district. Kudawa is very famous entry point among tourists. Pitadeniya entry point is only second to Kudawa and analysis of records at Pitadeniya entrance of Sinharaja shows during last few years, around 27,000 visitors have arrived to Sinharaja forest annually. Table 1 shows visitation during last five years to Sinharaja from Pitadeniya entrance. Year Visitor Category Total Foreign Local Table 1: Number of visitors arrived Sinharaja through Pitadeniya entrance. Page 3 of 20

5 However, absence of attractive entry point, inadequate accommodation facilities, poor access roads, problems in interpretation service and less participation of local communities in tourism are the major draw backs of nature based tourism in Sinharaja. Over the past years Forest Department in collaboration with various funding sources have developed number of ecotourism facilities in the area. However, they were not directed by comprehensive ecotourism development plan. Therefore, area covering Sinharaja and its peripheral forest from Matara district is proposed for this ESCAMP to enhance the nature base tourism attract more both local and foreign tourists by providing appropriate facilities. 2. Project Objectives and Results Sinharaja is designated as a MAB reserve and a Natural World Heritage by UNESCO. Further, IUCN has categorized Sinharaja as a protected area. Therefore, management objectives of Sinharaja forest should be aimed to fulfill the objectives of MAB, Natural World Heritage and protected areas. In addition, the management plan should support to meet National Forest Policy objectives and also Millennium Development Goals. The Goal of management is to Conserve Sinharaja forest for posterity, with regard to biodiversity, soil, water, historical, cultural, religious, scientific and aesthetic values and to enhance contribution of forestry to the welfare of nearby communities and to the national economy. Also there are several objectives relevant to Sinharaja management as formulated in management plan as the composition, structure, functions and evolutionary potential of biodiversity conserved, regulatory ecosystem services provided, livelihood of Sinharaja buffer zone communities improved, recreational capacity of Sinharaja forest maintained and enhanced, educational and Research opportunities provided, institutional Structure and legal framework for management of the Sinharaja Forests established. Outcomes 1.1. A comprehensive ecotourism development plan develops 1.2. Well standard nature based tourism facilities and service are established 1.3 Aesthetic value of the forest maintained 1.4 Negative impacts of tourism on natural and socio-cultural environment mitigate 3. Description of Project Activities To accomplice the objective of Enhance and maintained the Nature-based Tourism in Pitadeniya Matara District, followings will be proposed as activities. There is no comprehensive ecotourism development plan for Sinharaja. Therefore, most of the development activities have been carried out in ad hoc manner. Thus, following actions are proposed to develop a systematic ecotourism development plan as in output 1.1 Page 4 of 20

6 1. Study existing tourism activities and issues related to tourism. 2. Prepare an inventory of available tourist attractions and map them. 3. Consult stakeholders (should include visitor surveys). 4. Identify required improvements and developments. 5. Study possibilities for new developments considering potential negative impacts. 6. Identify strategies to improve community participation in ecotourism development. Further, considering the existing facilities for ecotourism, there are several issues such as adequate accommodation facilities, poor appearance of buildings and poor condition of the access roads and so on. Therefore, ecotourism facilities will be improved and new facilities will be developed to address output 1.2. Further, develop guideline to protect scenic areas as well as solution for garbage disposal will be implemented to out put1.3 and 1.4 respectively. Table 2: Project activities of project from No Activity Time Responsibility Locations Period 1 Develop a Comprehensive Ecotourism, Marketing and Risk Management plans (1) 2018 FD/Consultants Sinharaja Pitadeniya 2 Develop New facilities for ecotourism 3 Improve existing ecotourism facilities Page 5 of FD/Contractors/A rchitectures/con sultants FD/Contractors/A rchitectures/con sultants 4 Develop a New entry point FD/Contractors/A rchitectures/con sultants 5 Conserve aesthetic value of FD the Forest Mitigate negative impacts of tourism on natural and sociocultural environment FD Sinharaja Pitadeniya Sinharaja Pitadeniya Sinharaja Kurulugala Sinharaja Pitadeniya Sinharaja Pitadeniya Sub activities under the above major activities are mentioned below (under No 07 - Implementation Plan and Timeframe). 4. Partnerships Ministry of tourism development & Christian Religious affair, The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, International and local tour operators, hotel owner, Local authority, Central Environmental Authority, communities, Divisional Secretaries in Kotapola, Neluwa (Gale Dist.), university communities and researchers will engage with this project according to appropriate time. 5. Sustainability of the Project

7 The long-term sustainability of this project can be secured in two ways 1) by ensuring a Statelevel policy on Sinharaja that provides well formal recognition of a PA network of the country and 2) By contributing towards the development of a community-based ecotourism strategy for the State. At local level, community conservation efforts can be sustained through effective ecotourism initiatives and through capacity building. The additional incomes from tourism as well as the various side effects that benefit all the community members prevent a non-sustainable use of the forest and the protected areas 6. Risks to Successful Implementation i. Political Influence ii. Social unrest iii. NGO and Other Organization Influence iv. Noise in construction phase Proper awareness programs will be carried out before the initiation of the project. Conflict resolution will be applied as well as maintain a well coordination with stakeholders in village. Extreme weather/climate events such as storms, drought and floods could hamper the smooth implementation of the project, since access to the sites can be difficult, people might be displaced from their traditional places, and infrastructure may be destroyed. Very little can be done to mitigate these risks. Page 6 of 20

8 7. Implementation Plan and Timeframe Activity Target Time Frame Develop a Comprehensive Ecotourism, Marketing and Risk No. 1 Management plans (1) Improvement of access road to Pitadeniya Leveling & Gravelling Renovation of culverts 2 Stone pawing & strip concreting 1 Improve drainage 3 1km Develop observation decks Galdoruella, Designing & Construction No. 1 Rest Room- Pitadeniya Designing 1 Construction 1 Develop hides for bird watchers (2) No. 2 Designing 2 Construction Trail Improvement Activities( km) Trail leveling, renovate steps & culverts to have walk able path, New trails(kurulugala 4 km) Improve drainage Trail Maintenance Develop resting points within the trial (2) km km km

9 Make trails more informative using sign boards(20) No. 20 New Entry Point- Kurulugala 1 Access road development 1.9 km Construction of Ticket counter, Washroom, Car park 3 Improve bathing place in Kurulugala Building Construction Pitadeniya Staff quarters at Pitadeniya (10 person) New Cafetaria Pitadeniya Eco-Lodge at Pitadeniya (10 person) Information centre-pitadeniya Entry point at Pitadeniya Mini hydro- pitadeniya Waste disposal Bio-gas unit Develop eco lodges(for 10 persons) Kurulugala; No. 2 Staff quarters at Kurulugala (6 person) Develop new cafeteria Pitadeniya with car park No. 1 Building Improvement Improve Forest Bungalow Pitadeniya No. 1 Improve Forest Bungalow Ginganga No. 1 Improve Forest Bungalow Wathugala No. 1 Improve parking place-pitadeniya Leveling the land 8 perch Page 1 of 20

10 Stone terracing and pawing Other Improvements Training for tour guides (25 guides) No. 5 Provide uniform & other essentials to guides No. 50 staff uniform and other tools No. 20 NOTE* All activities indicated in Red, which are new activities to be established for NB tourism, should be wetted against the Nature Based Tourism Plan (NBTP), i.e. verified via the plan, and appraised once the Plans are approved by the Bank. Therefore, they should be moved to later years aligned with plan completion and resubmitted as a new proposal. All rehabilitation work and improvements (which ae marked in green colour) to existing facilities, parking facilities, access roads and minor support infrastructure such as waste disposal systems, water supply systems, waste water management systems, store rooms etc. can be financed prior to the NBTP. Staff quarters at Kurugala and Pitadeniya should move to the 3-a proposal. Table 3: Implementation plan and time frame of project from Activity Target Time Frame Develop a Comprehensive Ecotourism, Marketing and Risk Management plans (1) Improvement of access road to Pitadeniya No Leveling & Gravelling 1km 500 Renovation of culverts Stone pawing & strip concreting Improve drainage Page 2 of 20

11 Develop observation decks Galdoruella, Designing No & Construction Rest Room- Pitadeniya Designing 1 20 Construction Develop hides for bird watchers (2) No. 2 Designing 2 40 Construction Trail Improvement Activities( km) km Trail leveling, renovate steps & culverts to have walk able path, New trails(kurulugala 4 km) km Improve drainage Trail Maintenance km Develop resting points within the trial (2) Make trails more informative using sign No boards(20) New Entry Point- Kurulugala 1 Access road development 1.9 km Construction of Ticket counter, Washroom, Car park Improve bathing place in Kurulugala 200 Staff quarter at Kurulugala (6 person) 6000 Building Construction Pitadeniya Staff quarters at Pitadeniya (10 person) Page 3 of 20

12 New Cafetaria Pitadeniya Eco-Lodge at Pitadeniya (10 person) Information centre-pitadeniya Entry point at Pitadeniya Mini hydro- pitadeniya Waste disposal Bio-gas unit Develop eco lodges(for 10 persons) Kurulugala; No Develop new cafeteria Pitadeniya with car park No Building Improvement Improve Forest Bungalow Pitadeniya No Improve Forest Bungalow Ginganga No Improve Forest Bungalow Wathugala No Improve building premises (garden cleaning & Maintenance etc.) Improve parking place-pitadeniya Pitadeniya camp Leveling the land 8 perch 200 Stone terracing and pawing 600 Other Improvements Training for tour guides (25 guides) No Provide uniform & other essentials to guides No staff uniform and other tools No Total Page 4 of 20

13 Table 4: Implementation plan and time frame of project in 2017 Page 5 of 20 Activity/Sub activity Develop an Eco-Tourism Plan Access road to Pitadeniya-Leveling and graveling Allocati on Rs.Mn. Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Jan Feb Mar Ap r Ma y Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov De c Renovation of culverts Stone paving & strip concreting , Improve drainage

14 Observation desk-gadoruella- Design Observation desk-gadoruella- Construction Rest room- Pitadeniya-Design 1 1 Bird hides Pitadeniya & panamoya- Design Bird hides Pitadeniya & panamoya- Construction Page 6 of 20

15 Leveling, Renovate steps & culverts to have walk able paths & new trails km Improve drainage 2 2 1, Trail maintenance Bungalow Repairs Pitadeniya 1 1 Improve building premises (garden cleaning & Maintenance etc) Parking place-pitadeniyalevelling the land(8 perch) Page 7 of 20

16 Stone terracing & paving for necessary places Guide training programme - 25 guides Supply uniforms- 25 guides, Staff 2 sets Access road development Kurulugala , Page 8 of 20

17 8. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Based on the above information recorded in, monthly Reports(MPR) shall be submitted by Divisional office through the RDCF office to planning & monitoring division of head office, using the standard approved report format. Evaluation of the project s success in achieving its outcomes will be monitored continuously throughout the project. Field visits will be carried out in regular basis by DFO, RDCF and relevant CFs III PROJECT BUDGET 1. Project Funding Summary (in Rupees 000) Funding Source Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total Amount requested from 11,285 63,050 53,690 16,540 1, ,475 ESCAMP Department budget Other contributions (specify including in-kind) Total Cost 11,785 64,050 54,690 17,540 2, , Project Expenditure (in Rupees 000) Expenditure Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 TOTAL Category Civil works ,148.4 Goods Consultancy services ,365.6 Training Workshops Operational Costs 1, ,647 TOTAL 11,785 64,050 54,690 17, ,075 If the proposed project is running over 2 years, please include columns for additional years. V ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL ASSESSMENT Screening formats are attached here with. Format for Environmental Management Plan Project Activity Environment al Issues Mitigation Measures Construction Soil erosion 1.Minimum soil disturb ion 2. Avoid rainy season Location Sinharaja - Pitadeniya Construction Noise Noise barriers Sinharaja - Pitadeniya Implementation Responsibility Constructor Constructor Monitoring Frequency and Responsibility Forester/RFO Once a week inspection Forester/RFO Page 9 of 20

18 Construction Garbage and building materials Proper disposal Sinharaja - Pitadeniya Constructor Once a week inspection Forester/RFO Once a week inspection Based on the proposed project and the Social Management Framework, a Social Assessment may need to be carried out. VI ANNEXES 1. Map of the project area Page 10 of 20

19 Page 11 of 20

20 Logical Framework Description with intervention logic Objectively verifiable indicators of achievement Sources and means of verification Assumptions Goal or Impact To conserve Sinharaja forest Level of Biodiversity 1.Field observation National Forest Policy for prosperity, with regard to Biodiversity, Soil, Water, historical, cultural, religious, scientific and aesthetic values and to enhance contribution of forestry to the welfare of nearby communities and to the national economy Soil characteristic Hydrological characteristic Historical, Cultural, religious and aesthetic values Living standard of nearby communities 2. report 3.Research findings 4.Stakeholder consultations 5. Socio economic surveys remains unchanged Purpose or outcome Bio-Diversity, soil, water, and other ecosystem service are conserved and the social welfare of peripheral communities is enhanced through ecosystem approach Expected outputs Output & Recreational capacity is maintained and enhanced Ecosystem approach is in placed Areas and percentage of forest land managed for recreation Number and type of recreational facilities available Number of visitor days Visitor Satisfaction about tourism facilities Number of Employment generated for local communities. Total direct annual income generated by local communities through tourism. Number of negative impacts mitigated project period 1.Field observation 2. report 3.Research findings 4.Stakeholder consultations Activities 4.1. Develop a comprehensive ecotourism development plan. A plan Plan 4.2. Develop and improve facilities for improved facilities in each year compared to the reports ecotourism base year Improve access roads Number of access roads and length reports Open new entry points Number of entry point reports Develop new Nature trails Number and length of new trails reports 4.2.4Improve and manage existing trails Number of length of existing trails improved reports Tourism plan Field inspection Visitor records Visitor satisfaction survey results Ecotourism review report Socio economic surveys Periodic socio economic surveys Study report on ecotourism Ecosystem approach provides principles for sustainable forest management Local and foreign demand for tourism prevails Page 12 of 20

21 4.2.5 Develop new Accommodation facilities Number of accommodation facilities developed under different categories Number of new beds provided Number of accommodation facilities improved 4.2. Improve exiting accommodation facilities Improve the appearance of existing Number of facilities improve structures improve Information service Number of information centers developed Number of trail guides developed Number of video movies Number of other extension materials Prepared Improve the quality of the service of guides 4.3 Develop linkages between stakeholders of tourism sector. Number of guides trained visitor satisfaction about guides Number of inks developed Number of international and local tour packages which include Sinharaja Forest. reports reports reports reports reports Study reports Study reports Tour operators Packages Visitor survey reports Page 13 of 20

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