Why must we bury our national treasures?

At an assembly for the country’s first migratory bird park and eco-tourism zone established in Hanthane, Kandy, President Ranil Wickremesinghe  addressed the need for investment opportunities in order to provide more avenues for local and foreign investors to make contributions to boost the country’s economy. Foreign birds are kept in huge cages in the bird sanctuary, which cost Rs. 490 million to build. A crew of almost 100 people cares for the creatures there. 

This park was created in response to a 40-year study of non-endemic bird species in Sri Lanka. However, while this is a step in the right direction, it may be at the cost of ignoring existing natural non-captive sanctuaries and making the most of our resources.

Sri Lanka being an island nation, does not have the luxury of space our closest neighbours do. Improvements in Sri Lanka’s agricultural practices are required, where the present rate of productivity per hectare is far below the levels that it should be. Even when compared to the rest of South Asia, we lag very far behind. If this is done, it would eliminate the need for the extensive clearing of animal territory that still goes on in the name of farmland and mass feeding. In fact, Sri Lanka didn’t experience a significant food problem until the disastrous decision to convert all of its agriculture to organic production overnight. 

This indicates that the main issue is with fertiliser rather than a lack of available land for cultivation. Despite being purportedly carried out in the name of food production, many of these current harmful practices serve other, non-agricultural, business ventures for the financial gain of a select few rather than for the benefit of all. 

According to a 2016 survey conducted by the Sri Lanka Association of Internal Travel Organisers (SLAITO), Block I of the Yala National Park made approximately Rs. 7 billion. The biggest yearly assembly of Asian elephants in the world- the meeting of wild elephants at Minneriya National Park, was expected to generate a modest $ 52 million for the local and national economies. 

The Udawalawe National Park has expanded over the past three decades from a small community of a group of village stores and one guest house to having over 100 hotels and guest houses, many eateries and shops, and over 400 safari vehicle drivers. These are just three examples; there are many more products that could be successfully sold if protected, given the 501 protected areas and the abundance of seas that encircle the land.

Prior to 2019, a group of experts calculated that a single elephant could bring in roughly $ 59,000 for the nation over the course of its lifespan from hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agencies, and local economies. Over its lifespan are the operative terms here. For them to have this fiscal value, they must live their entire existence. There were 6,000 wild elephants on the island, according to the most recent census, which makes them a viable and highly profitable natural resource. 

The WNPS, which continues to have a strong parental interest in the park it established, as well as other conservation organisations, are firmly in favour of the plan’s revival. Changes in attitude and vision are required, and the strategy contains these changes. The other national areas might be able to use this as a model.

According to the Forbes magazine, Sri Lanka will be second only to Africa in 2023 as having the Top Wildlife Safaris Outside of Africa. However, this nation must take steps to guarantee that it holds this place in perpetuity. That will take a lot of effort, mental adjustments, approval of current scientific knowledge, and agreement by both current and future policymakers.