81233860 — Management of Wilpattu National Park and its influence zones in Sri Lanka

Encompassing almost 130 000 hectares, Wilpattu National Park is the country's largest and oldest national park. Located in the Northwest, was at the frontline of the Civil War for many years. After demining operations the park was reopened to visitors in 2010. Wilpattu National Park enjoys high biodiversity value, unspoilt coastline to the west, Protected Forest to the north and Sanctuaries to the north and south. The park and adjacent protected areas also enjoy the status of a Ramsar site due to its unique villu and wetland ecosystems. People around the national park depend largely on the available natural resources and are generally engaged in subsistence agriculture. Employment opportunities are still insufficient in the region. Illegal fishing practices, encroachment, and poaching lead to high pressure on the park"s natural resources. Decreasing migration corridors for wildlife cause more encounters between humans and elephants which regularly result in loss of crop or life.