Sri Lanka

Project/Location
Sri Lanka is endowed with many
natural attractions. It has coastlines
bordered by mangrove trees,
beaches fringed with palms,
tropical jungles, desert-like
stretches of land and hills and
valleys converted from their wild
state into cultivated plantations and
paddy fields. The landscape is one
of contrasts: including dry and wet
regions, steep slopes and vast
plains, untamed jungle and
botanical gardens, ancient irrigation
systems and living cultural
landscapes, and sanctuaries for
wildlife and birds. Amid all these
natural assets, are many cultural
treasures. The density of both
natural and cultural assets in a
small island is unique, and provides
a strong foundation for an
ecotourism industry.

It was with this in mind, as well as
the phenomenal growth of
ecotourism world-wide, that the Sri
Lanka Tourist Board commissioned
John Robinson Planning and Design
to help prepare a plan for the
development of ecotourism without
endangering the very resources
that support this industry.

Project Description
The desired planning future for
ecotourism in Sri Lanka is:

'to achieve ecologically sustainable
visitor use of natural and protected
areas, to enhance the conservation
of these areas, and to positively
contribute to a more equitable
series of benefits to local
communities'

The project was challenging in
scope and purpose with the
outputs as follows:

1. National Ecotourism Policy and
Regulations

2. The Ecotourism Strategy with a
special focus on the Southern
Region

3. Action plans for five ecotourism
sites/areas, feasible for
development in the next few years

4. Ecotourism Site Development
Guidelines

5. Issues Analysis of Tourism
Impacts on the Environment.