WNPSPLANT images

#𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧 🌿, we are excited to spotlight the 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝘂𝗯 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗴 (𝘗𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘳𝘶𝘴) 🐸 that was recorded during a biodiversity assessment at one of our properties within the Emerald Trail Corridor🌳 These species provide us with a fantastic opportunity to showcase the importance of privately protected areas in this country 🌏 The lands we protect under PLANT harbor many more such species that have a significant ecological value 🌺 As conservation involves understanding the value of an ecosystem to protect it, we, as #WNPSPLANT, are thrilled to play a role in the conservation of such endemic species and their habitats, safeguarding them for future generations 🛡️ #WNPSPLANT has a footprint of over 2500 acres and currently is active in over 20 locations, and our aim is to continue building forest corridors to protect our endemic species 🌲🌱 The Kandyan shrub frog belongs to the Family Rhacophoridae. The National Red List 2012 has classified this frog species as Critically Endangered (CR) 🚨However, the most recent IUCN global amphibian assessment has classified P. rus as a Near Threatened (NT) species ⚠️ P. rus has unique physical characteristics, such as a dorsally flattened head and a distinct oval and oblique tympanum 🔍 This species was first described by Dr. Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi and Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda in 2005 🧑‍🔬👨‍🔬 The most recent IUCN assessment, conducted in 2020, shows that this species is found in the central highlands to the southwest quarter of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, but it may have a wider range but is more restricted to the surrounding hills 🏞️ P. rus is typically found on or under leaves within the understory of moist evergreen forests 🌿, up to two meters above the ground. Its populations in lowland areas are more dependent and restricted to forested areas than those at higher elevations 🌳 The species is highly vulnerable to agrochemical pollution and habitat degradation and is also threatened by climate change 🌦️❌ Source: IUCN Global Amphibian Assessment 2020 Images 📸: Ravisara Jayamanna & Sanoj Wijayasekara

Stretching over two kilometers and creating the foundation for a semi-urban narrow forest corridor around an estate, our WNPS PLANT team planted over 1500 trees over an intense week of action. 🌳🌱 The teams and workers completed the tree planting program and a forest raid at the PLANT site in Kumbaloluwa Estate, Meerigama, which is the estate of former President Hon.J.R. Jayewardene. 🏞️ We were also fortunate to have a group of volunteers join us to assist with the planting and forest-raiding efforts. 👏 Last Friday, the team of 18 people split into two groups to commence their fieldwork, along with a few workers. One group focused on planting, while the other group conducted a raid in the small forest patches on the property. 🌿 The planting team successfully planted around 325-350 plants, which included over 250 plants collected by the forest raid team, during the first half of the day. 🌦️ Members had exciting opportunities to learn about species, meet new people, and also understand how to spread forest plants in a sustainable manner. 🌍 We had to wrap up early in the day due to welcome afternoon showers. ☔ Overall, we planted 45 different plant species through the week, thanks to our efforts in the forest and purchases from our different nursery partners. All species were local and specifically suited for this terrain. 🌳🌱 We express our gratitude to our incredible group of volunteers who dedicated their time, money, and effort to advance our cause, highlighting the genuine significance of volunteerism. 👏 Our field team, along with the estate team, will be responsible for managing and maintaining this forest corridor. 🌳 We have planned more exciting volunteer opportunities for our other properties, and we invite everyone interested to participate in such activities, actively contributing to conservation and ecosystem restoration. 🌍🌿 #wnpsplant #wnps #generationrestoration #restoration #ecologicalrestoration

🌱 An exciting update on reforesting! The PLANT field team just collected over 1500 young plants from our partner nurseries and initiated an accelerated planting campaign this week to create a semi-urban narrow forest corridor in Kumbaloluwa Estate, Meerigama. 🌳 The plants we collected from these nurseries are carefully nurtured and will hopefully grow into mature trees, helping to create thriving forests and other ecosystems. For PLANT, our nursery partners are invaluable assets to our cause. Partners like Nature’s Beauty Secrets have committed to supporting us with free plants, and we are indebted to them. 🌲 We collect plants and seedlings from our partner nurseries in areas such as Millewa, Ingiriya, Meerigama, Minuwandeniya, Baduraliya, Belipola, Bandaragama, and Haldummulla, just to name a few. 🌺 It is a wholesome journey that allows us to witness the hard work and dedication that goes into this process. We also bring communities together for conservation through these plant nurseries, as the members of the communities are the strength and the workforce behind these nurseries and benefit economically through the process. 👩‍🌾👨‍🌾 Once we deploy the plants to the field, our field staff regularly monitor and maintain the health of these seedlings and plants wherever possible. Creating new forest corridors is challenging but rewarding. 🌍 This year, we hope to create 12 kilometres of forest pathways through our work in over 20 locations. We are grateful for the contributions made by our nursery partners in improving and safeguarding the natural ecosystems protected under PLANT. While we take pride in the ecosystems we are restoring and protecting, our nursery partners can also feel proud of their commitment to future generations through WNPS PLANT. 🌿🙌 Our donor partners, as always, provide the impetus for this journey, along with our committed team. As always, we are constantly looking for more volunteers for our cause. Do check out our work on 🔗 www.plantsl.org (link in bio) #WNPSPLANT

We’re delighted to share the essence of our partnership in the Minuwanella Reforestation Initiative with @mas_holdings . This initiative reflects our fundamental goal: to foster a sustainable future through the restoration of disrupted ecosystems, safeguarding Sri Lanka’s biodiversity, and combating climate change challenges. The involvement of private sector organizations is crucial in this endeavor, as their resources, innovation, and influence can significantly amplify the impact of conservation efforts, making a substantial contribution toward achieving these environmental objectives. Vihanga Balasuriya from MAS Capital reflects on this. Please see https://www.masholdings.com/blogs/rooting-for-change-the-minuwanella-reforestation-initiative-by-mas-wnps/. #WNPSPLANT #Reforestation #SustainableFuture #BiodiversityConservation #ClimateAction #PartnershipForChange

Earlier this week, collaborating with the Department of National Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, we were able to bridge ex-situ and in-situ conservation by reintroducing a critically endangered plant species 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴 Kostrum back into natural habitats. 🌱🌿 The Department of National Botanic Gardens identified and recommended multiple #WNPSPLANT properties in the wet zone as suitable locations for this critical assignment, which supports the restoration and conservation goals of PLANT. 🏞️ As we celebrate the International Day of Forests, we are delighted to facilitate this wonderful conservation initiative. 🎉 This year’s theme, “Forest and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World,” speaks directly to our efforts to bring back species on the brink of extinction. 🌳 #Reintroductions can be challenging, but we are confident in this collaboration, which will ensure the long-term monitoring of the introduced plants and their success in the natural habitat. 🌿 We thank the team led by Mr. Sumith Ekanayake from the Department of National Botanic Gardens for coordinating this event. 👏 This historic moment further validates the importance of the pivotal role played by privately led conservation initiatives in Sri Lanka and its impact on the #conservation of this island’s biodiversity. 🌏 We are thrilled to have these endemics in our properties, which will be protected and cared for generations to come! 🌿 #internationaldayofforests #EcosystemRestoration #rewilding #reintroducingspecies 🌳

🌿🌎 In a remarkable act of environmental stewardship, we received a significant boost in our conservation efforts with a generous donation of 20 acres of land 🌱 fronting the Southern Bolgoda Lake in Sri Lanka. This land, gifted by Mr. Chanake Seneviratne, a visionary nature enthusiast 🍃, marks a pivotal moment in the journey of scalable private sector-led ecosystem conservation. The donation, made on World Wetland Day 2024 🌍, underscores a profound commitment to preserving the natural world 🌺 for future generations. Bolgoda Lake, the largest freshwater body in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, serves as a vital lifeline for numerous communities and a sanctuary for diverse species 🐟🦢. Despite its designation as an Environmental Protection Area since 2009, the lake faces numerous threats from urban expansion, recreational activities, and environmental degradation. Mr. Seneviratne’s contribution aims to counteract these pressures, offering a sanctuary for wildlife 🦜 and a model for conservation. This pioneering donation 🌟 not only highlights the critical role of private individuals in conservation but also sets a precedent for future contributions. It reflects a deep-rooted recognition of the intrinsic value of nature 🌼, transcending monetary gains in favor of an environmental legacy. As PLANT continues its work, the newly acquired land will undergo biodiversity assessments and restoration activities 🌱, all while engaging local communities in the conservation process. The gesture by Mr. Seneviratne is a clarion call 📢 to others, demonstrating the impactful role individuals and the private sector can play in safeguarding our planet’s natural treasures 💎. It’s a testament to the belief that conservation is not just a duty but a moral imperative to ensure the resilience and beauty of our environment 🌏 for generations to come. #WNPSPLANT #WNPS #BolgodaLake #NatureConservation #EcoStewardship #EnvironmentalLegacy #ProtectOurPlanet #WetlandConservation

In Budunwela, near Belihuloya, lies a #WNPSPLANT-owned land 🌿, which is a haven for biodiversity 🐘🐗🦌, with elephants, wild boar, and sambar and mouse deer frequently seen on the camera traps 📸 deployed at the location. Bordered by a forest reserve 🌳 and Uwa Kosgama village, this area benefits from the vigilant oversight of the Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) 🌍. TERN’s holistic approach includes deploying camera traps, safeguarding the land, enabling field research and data collection, scientifically monitoring animal movement and behaviour, and providing field research training to students 🎓. The acquisition of this key connector space, rich in diverse vegetation 🌱, was made possible through funds from the Quick Response Fund for Nature 💰, the Vikram and Nikhil Lissenburgh Trust, and a private donor ❤️. It plays a vital role in our conservation initiatives, linking important habitats for a variety of species. #Conservation #Biodiversity #WNPS #WNPSPLANT @wnpssl @quickresponsefund

Horana Plantations and WNPS PLANT building an ambitious nine km Forest Corridor #SundayIsland #TheIsland #TheIslandnewspaper #horanaplantations #wnpsplant #wildlifeandnatureprotectionsocietyofsrilanka #Features

🌿 Former President’s Estate Embraces Coexistence with Nature 🌳 🇱🇰 🌿 Exciting News from the Mirigama region, nestled in the heartland of this picturesque area is a special place – Kumbaloluwa Estate, previously owned by the late President J R Jayawardene and family, and now owned and managed by his grandson Pradip. This sizeable 57-acre estate, primarily comprised of coconut groves and rubber trees, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation. 🌴 Upon learning of the work done by #WNPSPLANT at Pradip’s invitation, the team embarked on an inspiring journey to map out a forest corridor along the perimeter of the existing estate. 🗺️ An MOU was signed, and by December 2023, the team had mapped the passage and commenced planting activities. #WNPSPLANT will create and enhance the passage by introducing new native tree varieties and other plants, eventually circling this agricultural complex with a green haven through a 3 km long forest corridor. 🌳 This initiative aims to foster biodiversity and support animal movement in the area🌳 The vision includes conducting a biodiversity assessment to establish baselines, which will then be monitored. Former President J R Jayawardene, renowned for his visionary leadership, was a staunch supporter of conservation efforts. He is no stranger to the @wnpssl as a former Patron, and his authorisation to end commercial logging in our rainforests, due to strong petitions made by WNPS and others, significantly benefited our island. His legacy lives on through initiatives aimed at restoring and preserving Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. 🌍 Join us in celebrating the family’s commitment to environmental stewardship as we work towards sustainable coexistence. Stay tuned for updates on the progress and be a part of the positive change. 🤝 #NatureCoexistence #Forestrestoration #WNPSPLANT #ConservationJourney ✨

@spaceylonofficial , #WNPSPLANT, and @wnpssl have strategically partnered to restore and enrich Sri Lanka's biodiversity. Over the next eight months, we plan to plant over 1,000 native fruiting plants and trees across #WNPSPLANT's protected properties in Matugama, Sabaragamuwa-Belihuloya region, and Deniyaya. All of these locations lie within #WNPSPLANT's Emerald Trails Corridor. By planting fruiting trees, we aim to support endemic species and ecosystems, providing essential food sources and benefits for wildlife. Our primary objective is to create bountiful natural corridors and breeding grounds within the Emerald Trails Corridor. Currently, these private conservation spaces, protected through the work done by PLANT and its partners, are home to hundreds of endemics and many critically endangered species. The SPA Ceylon team, led by Co-Founder and Group Director Shalin Balasuriya, recently joined the #WNPSPLANT teams for fieldwork and planting activities to kick off the project. Already, around 900 plants have been dispatched to these locations, and many have been planted in areas that require the enrichment of foliage. With this initiative gathering momentum, the unwavering support of SPA Ceylon will hopefully motivate others to join in the effort to conserve Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to SPA Ceylon for their active participation and look forward to sharing regular updates on the advancements of this meaningful project. @spaceylonofficial @wnpssl @shalin.b

This past weekend, we hosted our very first Canopy Crusade at the #WNPSPLANT Minuwan Ella, Deraniyagala location, offering WNPS members the opportunity to experience and explore this beautiful location and the work we do firsthand. Members were brought up to speed on the systemic restoration and rejuvenation of the land we are undertaking, and they actively participated in the ongoing restoration work at the location. This included planting degraded croplands with native species like 𝘋𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘶𝘴 𝘻𝘦𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴, 𝘝𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢, 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢, 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘪, and 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘮 to breathe new life into the land. Participants were also treated to special sightings of some of the unique inhabitants who call this patch of forest home. These included the Lowland Hump-nosed pit-viper, Hump-nosed Lizard, Sri Lanka Kangaroo Lizard, Green-billed coucal, Red-backed Flameback, Sri Lanka Hill-myna, Lesser Hill-myna, Orange Minivet, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, and Bamboo orchids. During the nature hike, members also had the opportunity to explore the location and visit special landmarks such as the onsite caves, waterfalls, and the Minuwan Falls, where they enjoyed a refreshing river bath along with lunch. We hope that the participation of our members in the #CanopyCrusade will inspire action!

🌿📚Sonali Deraniyagala, Economist and Author, is based overseas but still feels a strong connection to the wildlife of her motherland and wants to see much more being done to preserve these rapidly dwindling spaces. Sonali, through 'The Vikram and Nikhil Lissenburgh Trust,' partially funded WNPS PLANT’s acquisition of one of its properties, Budunwela, which is a critical forest corridor patch bordered by a forest reserve belonging to the Department of Forest Conservation on one side and the Uwa Kosgama village on the other. Sonali explains: “𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘳𝘪 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘢’𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘦. #𝘞𝘕𝘗𝘚𝘗𝘓𝘈𝘕𝘛 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸, 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘴. 𝘉𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 #𝘞𝘕𝘗𝘚𝘗𝘓𝘈𝘕𝘛, 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴” #WNPSPLANT continually creates new forest corridors and enhances biodiversity, thanks to the amazing support of many donors and conservation partners. Their support allows #WNPSPLANT to protect hundreds of threatened and rare species in over 2,500 acres of committed land in the south-western quadrant of Sri Lanka. #WNPSPLANT invites more donors to make a meaningful difference and support our work. Follow the link in our bio to learn more about our work 🔗

#WNPSPLANT is excited to share that we have partnered with @livingheritagekoslanda , who have made a commitment to protect 40 acres of pristine forested land to create vital wildlife corridors. 🌳🌏 Nestled in the verdant hills of Koslanda, this location, once a pristine rainforest, had been cultivated, but the land was abandoned in the 1950s. Over time, nature has reclaimed its domain, resulting in a captivating blend of native Sri Lankan flora, forgotten crops, and introduced species. 🌱🌿 Through a concerted reforestation project, the area has been regenerated with the reintroduction of native tree species. 🌳 The property also boasts an organic garden that provides fresh, locally sourced produce for guest meals. As part of this partnership, Living Heritage will establish a plant nursery to support restoration efforts at other PLANT locations. 🍅🌱 This sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with rare species like the Malabar Trogon and Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. Barking Deer graze peacefully beneath the forest canopy, while butterflies and moths add vibrant hues to the scenery. 🦜🦋 Living Heritage represents the beautiful harmony between humanity and nature, where history meets sustainability, biodiversity thrives, and dreams of a greener future take root. As PLANT extends its protective embrace and Living Heritage continues to flourish, together, we hope to protect not just land but a living heritage that will inspire and nurture future generations. 🌿🌏