Conservation Vs Development

The Environmental issues with regards to the natural forest degradation of Sri Lanka is on the rise. The main reason is the so called development activities after the liberation of the country from a 30 year war. We need the development but at what cost? If the authorities developing a car park for "Deyata Kirula" so called Development exhibition within a scantuary which is covered by a elecric fens, I guess they’re gone insane. Here is a good Interview done by the Young Asia Television’s Narada Bakmeewewa with Mr. Sajeewa Chamikara, the Director of the Environment Conservation Trust, Sri Lanka. 

© http://youngasia.tv/3d-thrimana

World Water Day | March 22

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

Year 2013 is also the International Year of Water Cooperation. They declared this in view of the organization’s multi-dimensional mandate in the realm of natural and social sciences, culture, Education and communication, and its significant and long-standing contribution to the management of the world’s freshwater resources.

There were a couple of activities in Sri Lanka and Taiwan on water conservation. Taiwan at the moment is facing a bit of water scarcity due to the lack of rainfall. Although the winter here in Taiwan, especially northern part is wet, but we are experiencing rather a dry Winter this time. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka experienced some extreme rainfall events  in last few months. All  these events evidence the climate change impacts. So it's a high time to act, but not just celebrating the day.

International Day of Forests | March 21

© YBA (Young Biologists' Association, Sri Lanka)'s photo

The United Nations General assembly has proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests. From 2013, the day will be observed each year to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of forests and trees to all life on earth.

Sri Lanka featured in National Geographic Traveler

National Geographic Magazine once name Sri Lanka as one of their top destinations for this year. After the end of 30 years civil war, the country has become a peaceful and safe place for the travelers, hence boost the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was a world famous tourist destination for edges. Apart from the traditional sun and beach tourism, Sri Lanka has moved into various new dimensions of tourism giving travelers ample choices to enjoy their stay in Sri Lanka. The National Geographic Traveler magazine has a special supplement dedicated to Sri Lanka, a 36 paged guide to travel in Sri Lanka. They have highlighted the country’s top 21 attractions for travelers in the  April 2013 issue.

Sri Lanka: Top 21 highlights

Wildlife of Formosa...

Taiwan is an island nation which is half the size of Sri Lanka (36,193 km2) in the western Pacific and straddling the Tropic of Cancer. Taiwan has a range of climatic zones from tropical to temperate, resulting in tremendous Biodiversity. However, the recent boost in economy with the increase of development  in the latter part of the 20th century, has given rise to serious issues related to the environment of the country. The country boast of over 20% of protected areas of its land cover.

Its claim to have a total of 1,257 fauna species, where 252 of them are endemic to the country (20%). The situation of the floral community is total species, 4,077 and endemic species of 1,067 (26%). You can find more information here. 

Following are some small collection of wildlife encountered by my stay in Taiwan, since 2011. 

The Central Formosa Toad - Bufo bankorensis (Bufonidae family) is a big toad species endemic to Taiwan. Very common toad in Taiwan. Habitat loss, collection for food and traditional medicine are common threats to this fork.

Babina adenopleura (Ranidae family) is a medium-sized frog species found in Taiwan, China, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand.IUCN Conservation status of this species is Least Concern (LC). [Previously known as Rana adenopleura]