Enviro News Asia, Colombo — The Sri Lanka Country Office of CIFOR-ICRAF participated as a Collaborative Partner at the 30th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2026, held on 23–24 January at Waters Edge, Battaramulla. The University of Sri Jayewardenepura, through its Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, organised the event under the theme “Sustainability in Action,” bringing together researchers, government institutions, and development partners to discuss practical environmental solutions.
During the two-day symposium, CIFOR-ICRAF highlighted its ongoing initiatives to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable land management in vulnerable landscapes across Sri Lanka. The organisation showcased evidence-based approaches that integrate ecosystem restoration with livelihood improvement.
Representing CIFOR-ICRAF Sri Lanka, Dr. Prasad Senadheera, Country Director and Principal Investigator of the GCF Knuckles Project, shared insights on how agroforestry systems can restore degraded ecosystems while increasing income opportunities for rural households. He emphasised that integrating trees into farming systems enhances soil stability, improves water regulation, and diversifies farmer income.
CIFOR-ICRAF collaborated with the Project Management Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Livestock and Irrigation to present progress under the Green Climate Fund-supported Knuckles Project. The initiative strengthens climate resilience for subsistence farmers and plantation communities living in and around the Knuckles Mountain Range catchment area.
Through a dedicated exhibition booth, CIFOR-ICRAF and its government partners displayed research findings, technical guidance materials, and updates on field interventions. Visitors received detailed information on how nature-based and community-driven approaches are reducing climate risks, restoring ecosystems, and supporting sustainable land use in project sites.
A key highlight of the opening programme was a high-level panel discussion on “The Importance of Ecosystem Services Towards Disaster Risk Reduction, with Special Reference to Cyclone Ditwah.” Dr. Senadheera served as a panelist and underscored the critical role of agroforestry and healthy ecosystems in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. Drawing from field experience in the Knuckles landscape, he explained that well-managed watersheds and forest systems function as natural buffers that protect downstream communities, agricultural lands, and infrastructure.
He also called for further scientific assessment of Cyclone Ditwah’s environmental and socio-economic impacts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and long-term resilience planning.
Through its participation in the symposium, CIFOR-ICRAF Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to delivering research-driven solutions that support adaptation, sustainability, and climate resilience. The organisation continues to provide scientific expertise and technical support to advance ecosystem restoration and community resilience across Sri Lanka. (*)
