Forest Policy Development and Traditional Knowledge-based Practices: A Case Study of Ritigala Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The long-term relationship between the forest and the community has created enormous knowledge about how to use forest areas sustainably which is known as Traditional Knowledge (TK). Modern forest conservation methods have failed to accomplish their objectives while considering TK as an outdated process. This paper has examined the conflict zone between forest conservation and traditional knowledge-based practices in Ritigala forest reserve. Semi-structural interviews and field observation have been used for primary data collection and the purposive sampling method was used to choose 25 individuals for interviews. According to the findings, the local people of Ritigala have engaged in traditional livelihoods like traditional medicine, traditional agriculture, and the collection of non-timber forest products. Declaring a part of Ritigala as a strict reserve, carrying out restoration programs and outreach programs, rehabilitating tanks, taking legal actions, establishing community organizations and awareness programs are some conservation efforts. Only 36% of the participants are satisfied with these efforts being made, while the remaining 64% are not. So, the measures taken to improve the livelihoods of the people are creating further distance between the community and the forest. The main effects of ineffective forest policies are turning rural people into illegal users, losing their livelihoods, and rural poverty. Therefore, prohibiting local people to enter the forest areas is not the best solution. Accordingly, an integrated approach could be the most promising solution to address the clash between forest conservation and traditional knowledge while implementing both conservation and local people’s requirements by sharing benefits and responsibilities in a sustainable way.