Problem
Problem - Historically, Nuwara Eliya was preserved as water catchments for agricultural activities in the lower regions. They were considered as prohibited regions and any settlement or agriculture practices were forbidden. After the year 1818, British first came to Nuwara Eliya. As the climate and weather conditions of this area mimic the conditions in England, they made settlements in the area and cleared the majority of natural vegetation for cinchona, coffee, and tea plantations. the scenario is worse [ex: mixed crop home gardens or Kandyan home garden systems are commonly practiced in other parts of the Central Highland, but not in Nuwara Eliya due to the monocrop plantation (tea, eucalyptus, or pinus) and intensive vegetable cultivation culture]. Regrettably, all these practices and changes in global climate resulted in loss of biodiversity in the forest and agricultural lands, changes in water quality and quantity, the microclimate in Nuwara Eliya, and accelerate the risk of natural disasters in the region.
Proposed Solution
To overcome the situation the LORRIS has started a progarmme to enrich the urban environment in Nuwara Eliya through planting of native trees on the available lands. This is a collaborative project with municipal council Nuwara Eliya, Divisional Secretariat Nuwara Eliya, Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya and various other donors.