Environment Assessment and

Recommendations for Constructions

to be carried out in the Knuckles
Conservation Forest in Matale District

June 2019 

1 
IUCN,
  International Union for Conservation of Nature, Sri Lanka Country Office
Technical Contributors

Dr Ananda Mallawatantri – Environment Management

Mr Naalin Perera – Fauna Ecologist

Mr Sampath Goonatilake – Fauna Ecologist

Mr Sarath Ekanayake – Flora Ecologist – Flora plants

Technical Assistance

Ms Nilushi Kumarasinghe

Ms Padmi Meegoda

GIS Mapping

Ms Darshani Wijesinghe - GIS Expert

Photographs

Dr Ananda Mallawatantri

Mr Naalin Perera

Cover picture – Riverstone Road in the Knuckles Conservation Forest (© Naalin Perera @IUCN Sri Lanka)
Back picture – Ceratophora tennentii, an endemic Lizard to Knuckles Mountain Range (© Naalin Perera @IUCN
Sri Lanka)

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Table of Contents
 

Table of Contents..................................................................................................................... ii

1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1

Background ......................................................................................................................... 1

Knuckles Conservation Forest ......................................................................................... 1

Tourism ............................................................................................................................ 2

2.0 Objective ........................................................................................................................... 3

3.0 Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 5

IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability ........................... 6

UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme........................................ 6

Site visit and Stakeholder consultation ................................................................................ 6

Proposed visitor facilities development plan at Riverston area ........................................... 7

4.0 IUCN’s Observations and Recommendations .................................................................. 8

Location 01 — Proposed Cafeteria and Resting Area Development .................................. 9

Location 02 — Entrance, Observation Tower and Ticket Counter .................................... 12

Location 03 — Gonamadawatta observation point............................................................ 15

References............................................................................................................................ 18

Annex 01: Summery of stakeholder consultation .................................................................. 19

Annex 02: Critical faunal species in the proposed construction ............................................ 20

Annex 03: Critical flora species of proposed construction sites ........................................... 21

Stakeholder Consultations .................................................................................................... 22

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1.0 Introduction
 
Background
Knuckles Conservation Forest (KCF) is the most visited site among all conservation related
sites managed by the Forest Department (FD). The visitor volume is expected to increase
partly due to the unique characteristics of the KCF and due to the Government’s emphasis to
promote tourism. These factors require providing additional facilities within the KCF and better
visitor management capacities. Forest Department sought the funding assistance from the
World Bank funded ESCAMP Project to improve the facilities to meet the immediate and
medium-term demands and prepared several plans that include facilities for observations,
eating and refreshments, parking, ticketing and other services where residential facilities for
the Forest Department is needed.
There is growing concern among stakeholder groups regarding the proposed visitor facility
development programme in the KCF. In this context, Forest Department has decided to re-
evaluate the proposed infrastructure and other developments to ensure the short- to long-term
conservation and management needs. The Conservator General of Forests at the Forest
Department made a request to IUCN to provide an independent view on the proposed facility
developments along with recommendations. IUCN mobilized a team with adequate and
relevant experience to develop this report.

Knuckles Conservation Forest

The Knuckles Conservation Forest along with
the Peak Wilderness Protected Area and the
Horton Plains National Park has been an
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
Prior to this, in 2000, it was declared as a
Conservation Forest by the Forest
Department and an Environmental Protection
Area under the National Environmental Act in
2007.
Due to its diverse natural vegetation which
includes the lowland semi-evergreen forests
and montane forests, the Knuckles area
records a very high and distinct biodiversity.
This includes over 1,033 species of plants
where 15% are endemic. Apart from the flora,
the region holds a staggering 603 faunal
species including charismatic species such as
the leopard and the elephant. Of the 603
species of fauna, over 30% are endemic to Sri
Lanka with a similar proportion being
considered as threatened. Further importance
to the Knuckles region is added by the
presence of point endemic species such as  
the Knuckles Ilex (IIex knucklesensis),
Leaf-nosed lizard (Ceratophora tennentii), Figure 1: Knuckles Ilex – Ilex knucklensis
Knuckles pigmy lizards (Cophotis dumbara),

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 the amphibian species Kirtisinghe's rock frog (Nannophyrus marmorata), and freshwater
fishes Martenstyni's barb (Systomus martenstyni), and the Blotched filamented barb
(Dawkinsia srilankensis) (Perera et al., 2018). Due to its natural beauty, landscape diversity,
cultural heritage and unique biodiversity, Knuckles Conservation Forest is one of the most
famous destinations in Sri Lanka, among both locals and foreigners. Development of visitor
facilities to cater a wide range of visitors has been identified as one of the priority conservation
actions related to the Knuckles Conservation Forest.
The Knuckles area constitutes 30% of the watershed forest of the Mahaweli catchment—a
major source of water for the agricultural sector of the country. The forest provides vital
watershed services important for socio-economic development in downstream areas. Any
adverse human pressure not only damage the ecosystem in KCF but also impact the source
water quality of downstream uses.

Tourism
According to the Forest Department 2017 statistics, Knuckles Conservation Forest is the most
visited Forest Department property by locals, exceeding the visitor numbers to both Sinharaja
and Kanneliya forests. Furthermore, unlike in the case of Sinharaja and Kanneliya, actual
number of visitors for the Knuckles Conservation Forest may be higher than the recorded
number (Table 01).
Table 1: Visitor Statistics to KCF area in year 2017 (source: Forest Department)

Name of the forest No of visitors Income without VAT (SL Rupees)

Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total
Tourists Tourists Number Tourists Tourists Revenue
Makandawa Conservation 2,142 1,010 3152 54,524 876,932 93,1456
Forest
Kottawa Conservation 1,640 537 2,177 31,209 302,777 333,986
Forest
Kanneliya Conservation 61,670 1,971 63,641 1,234,445 1,167,050.00 2,401,495
Forest
Hurulu Eco Park 1,765 5,644 7,409 136,408 7,263,260.88 7,399,669
Sinharaja Conservation 42,792 15,466 58,258 762,589 8,201,270.00 67,726,770
Forest
Udawaththakale 19,079 11,010 30,089 486,365 6,240,405.00 6,726,770
Conservation Forest/Kandy
Knuckles Conservation 66,090 2,450 68,540 1,627,972 1,377,400.00 3,005,372
Forest
Total 195,178 38,088 233,266 4,333,515 25,429,094.88 29,762,610

Rattota–Riverston–Pitawala–Illukkumbura, located in the northern part of the Knuckles range

is the most popular route taken by visitors due to a combination of several factors, including
easy access from Kandy, Matale and Dambulla area; picturesque and diverse landscapes;
existence of several unique features such as the Small World’s End, Pitawala Patana, Sera
Ella, Bambarakiri Ella, Manigala and Riverston Summit Road; the presence of traditional
villages such as Atanwala, Puwakpitiya and Pitawala; and the availability of bathing places
such as the Theligamuoya. Among the visitor attractions in this Knuckles northern area,
Riverston attracts many visitors due to the comfortable cool weather, unique landscape and
high biological value.
With over 230,000 recorded visitors in 2017 (average over 630 visitors per day) that
showcases an increasing trend, the need to introduce a scientific and sustainable visitor

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management approach with proper facilities, educational options and safeguards for the
ecosystem is justified.

2.0 Objective
 
The overarching objective of this report is to support the efforts of the Forest Department to
provide visitor management facilities that are ecologically sensitive, and contribute to the
preservation of the unique features of KCF while providing a pleasant, safe and educational
investment to visitors.

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Figure 2: Map of KCF Area

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3.0 Methodology

The key elements of the methodology included the following steps.

1. Field visit
2. Stakeholder consultation
3. Analysis of options and
4. Recommendations
To facilitate the process, the team used several key points to consider in the review approach
(Box 1).
The literature review for the assessment included IUCN publications, reports, and other
relevant research.
In terms of safeguards, the team based the assessment on:
1. International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards on Environmental
and Social Sustainability (IFC, 2018) and
2. Guidelines provided by the UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism
Programme (Pedersen A., 2002; and UNESCO 2012).

Box 1: Key points for review approach:

 Species and biodiversity protection

 Potential disturbance to landscape
 Preservation of the cultural heritage
 Need for watershed protection
 Minimum environmental footprint
 Concerns regarding air pollution
 Risks due to oil and chemical additions
 Need to provide quality visitor facilities
 Need for quality educational options
 Carrying capacity of sites
 Distribution of visitor pressure
 Local communities and livelihoods
 First-aid and search and rescue capacity
 Waste and sewerage management
 Erosion potential (wind and water)
 Facilities for Forest Dept. staff
 Facilities for selling essential items/food
 Need for areas for resting and waiting

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IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability
IFC performance standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability covers multiple areas.
For example, the Performance Standard 6 on Biodiversity “consider relevant threats to
biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially focusing on habitat loss, degradation and
fragmentation, invasive alien species, overexploitation, hydrological changes, nutrient loading,
and pollution. It will also take into account the differing values attached to biodiversity and
ecosystem services by Affected Communities and, where appropriate, other stakeholders.”
The performance standards also cover:
1. Stakeholder Engagement
2. Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention
3. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources
4. Cultural Heritage

UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme

Tourism has been identified by UNESCO as an outstanding opportunity to increase the
understanding of the natural and cultural heritage, while providing long-term financial support
to site management, local communities and tourism providers. In the same context, UNESCO
highlighted the fact that poorly managed tourism or excessive visitor numbers at a site can
pose major threats to Outstanding Universal Value and degrade the quality of the visitor
experience; for example, if the facilities provided are inadequate. Therefore, UNESCO
emphasize the importance of sustainable tourism and incorporates it to the overall World
Heritage Site management to ensure long term conservation of the property. The following
five objectives has been identified in “UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism
Programme”:
 Integrate sustainable tourism principles into mechanisms of World Heritage
Convention
 Strengthen the enabling environment by advocating policies, strategies, frameworks
and tools that support sustainable tourism as an important vehicle for protecting and
managing cultural and natural heritage of Outstanding Universal Value
 Promote broad stakeholder engagement in the planning, development and
management of sustainable tourism that follows a destination approach to heritage
conservation and focuses on empowering local communities
 Provide World Heritage Site stakeholders with the capacity and the tools to manage
tourism efficiently, responsibly and sustainably based on the local context and needs
 Promote quality tourism products and services that encourage responsible behaviour
among all stakeholders and foster understanding and appreciation of the concept of
Outstanding Universal Value and protection of World Heritage

Site Visit and Stakeholder Consultation

IUCN team carried out a preliminary site visit followed by field investigations and stakeholder
consultations to collect the required biological, physical, chemical, landscape and social level
information on the proposed infrastructure development. IUCN team met with a range of
stakeholders to discuss their views on the proposed infrastructure facility development.
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Stakeholders:
 Local and regional level forest department officers
 NGOs and CBOs
 Tourism dependent community members (local vendors)
 Architects/designers

 
Figure 3: View of Knuckles Conservation Forest from Gonamadawaththa area

The Proposed Visitor Facilities Development Plan at Riverston Area

Riverston is one of most visited locations in KFC. Riveston area consist of a Mid Elevation
Evergreen Forest, which is home to several endemic and threatened plant and animal species.
A carefully designed visitor management plan and facilities are required in Riverston and the
FD proposes to develop these required facilities to the visitors while protecting the ecosystem
they visit. The proposed visitor infrastructure facilities include;
1. Cafeteria and Resting Area (Riverston)
2. Entrance Gate, Ticket Counter and Observation Centre (Riverston)
3. Observation Centre (Gonamadawatta)

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4.0 IUCN’s Observations and Recommendations
 
In order to better understand the requirements, the following list has been compiled during the
field visit and facts gathered in relation to visitor requirements.
Table 2: Potential requirements in a visitor management approach

Service or Visitor Notes/observations

requirement

Vehicle entry and parking Roadside parking is available in a newly expanded area along the
facilities road. There is no mechanism to prevent smoking or oil leaking
vehicles from entering KCF

Toilet facilities Only one very basic toilet is available for all and to upscale the
facilities to international level, a new set of toilets are needed with
proper maintenance

Rest area Not available

Cafeteria and food stalls
Five/six local community members run roadside temporary stalls
that are open only on weekends and school holidays. They use
minimal infrastructure and have a better understanding of the
seasonality of the visitor pattern; therefore they have a good
understanding of the business.

Waste management Not available other than the voluntary approaches by vendors

Involvement of local Forest Dept. has an excellent rapport with the current vendors and
vendors much synergy exist among them to enhance their roles and to
benefit from KCF resources

Educational options Not available

Use of volunteers May be to some extent and can be improved

Guiding facilities Not available

First aid/rescue facilities Not available

Onsite protection by FD Not available

Vehicle quality inspection Not available

at entrance

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Location 01 — Proposed Cafeteria and Resting Area Development
General description of the area
The proposed open area is located between the telecommunication tower road and main
Riverston road. The proposed location is an abandoned colonial building site surrounded by
mid elevation evergreen forests which was used previously as a cardamom plantation. The
access road starts at few meters down from the telecommunication tower and goes through
the mid elevation evergreen forest.
This is an original access road which was constructed during the colonial period. The open
grassland (proposed location) is not a significant habitat for critical fauna and flora species.
However, the access road runs through the habitats of several endemic and threatened
animals as well as plants. The visitor experience in using the undisturbed access road is
unique and it is easily accessible.

Figure 4: Proposed site for resting/cafeteria

According to IFC guidelines, this area trigger Criterion 01 and 04 and therefore the area is not
suitable for construction work due to the presence of endemic, critically endangered and
endangered species of both plants and animals. Therefore, the IUCN team see the value of
abandoning the site and conserving it for the visitor experience, while co-locating the resting
and cafeteria facility along with the observation tower near the parking area.
However, in the event that the Forest Department decides to go ahead with the same site,
which is also a critical habitat, the following requirements have been suggested based on IFC
guidelines for Critical habitats.
 No other viable alternatives within the region exist for the development of the project
on modified or natural habitats that are not critical;

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  The project does not lead to measurable adverse impacts on those biodiversity values
for which the critical habitat was designated, and on the ecological processes
supporting those biodiversity values;
 The project does not lead to a net reduction in the global and/or national/regional
population of any Critically Endangered or Endangered species over a reasonable
period of time;
 A robust, appropriately designed, and long-term biodiversity monitoring and evaluation
program is integrated into the client’s management program.

Figure 5: Access road to Location 01

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Following impacts can be anticipated by the proposed infrastructure development work.

Direct and indirect impacts on fauna, flora and environment from proposed
constructions
Construction period and long term
 Disturbance to the movements of large mammal species such as Sambur and Barking
deer
 Light pollution, which attracts moths and other nocturnal invertebrates
 Loss of space (0.07 hectares), which was previously used by plants and animals
 Disturbance to lizards and amphibians, which live in trees along the access road
 Contamination of soil and water from sewerage and disinfectant chemicals used in
toilets and cafeterias
 Change of hydrological regime due to drainage system
 Visual pollution due to artificial structures
Construction period
 Noise of construction work and moving vehicles
 Soil erosion and sedimentation of surface water due to the removal of topsoil for
construction work
 Mixing of cement, oil, paints and other chemicals into soil, surface water and ground
water
 Removal of trees and shrubs for access road clearance and to build constructions
Recommendations and other possible options
 Proposed toilets, cafeteria, resting places and any other constructions should be
limited to the open grassland (abandoned building site).
 Adjacent forest, including all native and endemic tress, should not be disturbed or
removed during construction activities.
 It is recommended to use the abandoned road as an access road. Rehabilitation of the
existing road should not damage any trees. It is recommended to translocate sapling
and small tress of critical plant species growing in the middle of the road.
 It is recommended to translocate all less mobile animal species, which can be found
in the proposed construction site and access road before the commencement of
construction.
 Manual clearance without machineries is proposed for the access road before
renovation work starts.
 Floor of the access road should be established by granite rocks without damaging the
sides of the road. All construction material (granite rocks) should be sourced from
outside locations. The granite which can be found along the road should not be used
for road construction.
 Minimise the removal of topsoil during the construction period, and the ground should
be covered immediately, if opened. Mud or soil should not mix with rain water.

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  A proper solid waste management plan should be implemented during the construction
period as well as during the operational period. Solid waste dumping, storing or burning
should not be done in the Riverston area.
 Any inorganic and poisonous chemical disinfectant or cleaning materials should not be
used in toilets or cafeteria.
 The height of any construction should not remarkably exceed the natural forest canopy
level.
 Colours and structural designs of all constructions should match with vegetation and
cultural aspects of the Knuckles range.
 Lighting should be limited to the inside of buildings and bright lights should not be
visible from outside. Any loud noises and sounds should not come from buildings. This
area should be close for the public during the nighttime between 6.00pm – 6.00am to
minimize the disturbance to wildlife.
 All activities should be carried out with close supervision of the Forest department.
Given the difficulty to adhere to the safeguards outlined above, IUCN recommends
the use of an alternative site of co-locating the rest area and cafeteria with the
parking and observation area.

Location 02 — Entrance, Observation Tower and Ticket Counter

General description of the area
The proposed location for the
observation tower and ticket
counter is located by the main
road close to the Riverston
telecommunication tower
junction. Part of the area is
already cleared by the Road
Development Authority to create
parking spaces. Three habitat
types can be identified in this
area, including Mid-elevation
evergreen forest, bamboo
dominated scrubland and
disturbed area including the
road, car park and an old building
site. Figure 6: Picture of Proposed entrance area 

According to the IFC guidelines this area trigger Criterion 01 and 04 and therefore the area is
not suitable for construction work due to the presence of endemic, critically endangered
and endangered species of both plants and animals.

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However, the Forest Department does not have a viable alternative option for a construction
site to cater to the increasing demand for visitor services and to manage and control the
potential pressure on the ecosystem by the visitors.
This site is located by the public road and a large number of visitors already use this area as
a recreational place, informally. Hence the option to provide visitor facilities while managing
their activities is considered as a better option. By combining the footprint for the restaurant
and resting area into this area, the management of waste and controlling of the movements of
visitors could be efficient and effective.
Following impacts can be anticipated by proposed infrastructure development work.

Direct and indirect impact on fauna, flora and environment from proposed
constructions
Construction period and long term
 Light pollution will attract moths and other nocturnal invertebrates
 Loss of space (0.13 hectares approximately), which was previously used by plants and
animals
 Contamination of soil and water from sewerage and disinfectant chemicals, which are
used in toilets
 Change of hydrological regime due to new drainage system
 Visual pollution due to artificial structures
Construction period
 Noise of construction work and moving vehicles
 Soil erosion and sedimentation of water due to the removal of topsoil for construction
work
 Mixing of cement, oil, paints and other chemicals into soil, surface and ground water
 Removal of trees and shrubs for access road clearance and building construction
Based on the above impact assessment, following suggestions are recommended if FD
decides to implement the activity.
Recommendations and other possible options
 IUCN does not recommend the across the road observation desk due to visual
pollution
 Construction work should be limited to open grassland (abandon building site) and
herb land, which has been invaded by exotic plants
 Adjacent forests, including all native and endemic trees, should not be disturbed or
removed
 Translocate less mobile animal species found in the proposed construction site
 Minimum surface disturbance and cover the ground to avoid wind and water erosion
 Design and operationalize a solid waste management plan
 Extra attention to manage chemicals, oils and electronic waste additions

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  The height of any construction should not remarkably exceed the natural forest canopy
level
 Colours and structural designs should be matched with the vegetation and cultural
aspects
 Lighting should be limited to the inside of buildings and bright lights should not be
visible from outside
 Manage sound/noise
 Area should be restricted to the public from 6.00pm – 6.00am to minimize disturbance
to wildlife
 Obtain advise from the National Building Research Organization for construction work
 Close monitoring of Forest Department and experts to minimize any potential threats
IUCN recommends consolidating visitor services and the anticipated facilities for the
Forest Department staff to this location with an innovative design, sometimes beyond
standard costs considering the sensitivity and uniqueness of the KCF.
While doing so, the “service complex” design could incorporate following facilities to the
infrastructure development with adequate camouflaging and other features. Note that some of
the needs were identified beyond the services in the proposed design.
1. Facilities for two FD staff to stay overnight
2. Storage for equipment and supplies for first-aid / immediate relief
3. Resting and toilet facilities
4. Food serving area
5. Parking and traffic management
6. Waste and waste water management systems
7. Mechanism to enforce guidelines, standard operating procedures etc.
8. Mechanism to support local area vendors (they do not like permanent structures)
9. Entrance gate and ticket counter
10. Souvenir shop
IUCN trust that a sound design could incorporate the above facilities into a compact yet
practical space with an efficient maintenance and security system. Also, IUCN recommends
to remove the ticket counter idea from the Riverston location and move it to the two entrance
areas with additional services, such as vehicle road worthy inspections (oil, tire, light and other
basics), alternative transport modalities, steps to minimize plastic and other unnecessary
waste into KCF area.

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Location 03 — Gonamadawatta Observation Point
General description of the area
The proposed location is by the main road between Riverston and the Pitawala Pathana. This
is part of a road running though an abandoned tea estate and the surrounding habitat is
grassland and shrub land vegetation.

Figure 7: Gonamadawaththa observation point

IUCN recommends the construction with a correct design that allows the harnessing of the
maximum educational value as this view covers a range of ecosystems, ecosystem services
(irrigation, power generation, agriculture etc.) and an opportunity to describe several
environmental processes, such as cloud interception by canopy resulting water additions,
catchment effect of KCF and the uses of water, soil erosion potentials via wind and water,
pollution potentials etc.
Nevertheless, the construction needs to be planned carefully taking into account the carrying
capacity and usage assessment as there will be a limit for the number of people/vehicles that
can be handled at any given time and also attention should be given to concerns on security
and visibility of the constructed structures to the other side of the slope.
Direct and indirect Impact on fauna, flora and environment from proposed
constructions
Construction period and long term
 Loss of space (0.03 hectares approximately) previously used as a grassland habitat
 Change of hydrological regime due to new drainage system
 Soil erosion and earth slips

15 
 
  Visual pollution due to artificial structures
Construction period
 Noise of construction work and moving vehicles
 Soil erosion due to removal of topsoil for construction work
 Mixing of cement, oil, paints and other chemicals into soil and water
Recommendations and other possible options
 Adjacent forest, including native and endemic trees should not be disturbed or
removed
 Minimize the removal of topsoil and cover surfaces to prevent wind and water erosion
 Solid waste management plan and a maintenance mechanism
 Colours and structural designs to match with vegetation and cultural aspects of KCF
 A minimum number of heavy machineries is recommended for construction work
 Obtain advise of the National Building Research Organization before construction

Figure 8: Proposed construction sites (green land mark)

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Additional recommendations

During the study, IUCN observed several additional improvements that will help to ensure the
quality of the visitor experience in KCF while protecting and providing opportunities for local
community to benefit.
1. Established entrance gates at the boundary of KCF on both sides (Midland estate/
Rambukoluwa). It is recommended to provide ticket/ entry permits at the entrance gate
and also to establish other facilities such as toilets and resting places to minimize the
load to KCF.
2. Introduce a number of digital applications to improve visitor experience and quality
while also allowing options to report any misdoings by KCF visitors. This system could
also have an emergency response mechanism.
3. Dilute the visitor concentration by traffic and visitor movement, again a digital
application.
4. Establish a quality educational and awareness programme for Knuckles visitors
including trained guides (beyond KCF but also explain the ecosystems, environmental
processes etc.)
5. Options for local communities to engage in tourism related activities as local
livelihoods.
6. Strengthen the protection and response capacity via FD field offices within KCF.
7. Investigate the carrying capacity of Riverston and other visitor attractions using a four
level approach, namely, a) Physical Carrying Capacity; b) Ecological Carrying
Capacity; c) Economic Carrying Capacity: d) Social Carrying Capacity (Navarrete et al
2004).
8. Identify the critical and sensitive habitats for wildlife, which is located along the road
network and other visitor attractions in KCF and restrict the trespassing to such area.
9. Implement strong communication programmes with all relevant stakeholders to share
the information about the KCF and obtain feedback to improve the visitor experience.
10. Introduction of first aid and emergency rescue facilities for KCF visitors.

 
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References

Borges, M.A., Carbone, G., Bushell, R. and Jaeger, T. (2011) Sustainable Tourism and natural
World Heritage – Priorities for action. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 29pp.

IFC (2018) Guidance Note 6 – Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of

Living Natural Resources, Washington, D.C - updated November 2018. International Finance
Corporation 41p.

Navarrete J., Lora A. & González-Arenas J. (2004) Sustainable tourism and visitor satisfaction:
social carrying capacity in ‘Sierra de Grazalema’ Natural Park (Spain), in Sustainable Tourism,
F. D. Pineda, C. A. Brebbia & M. Mugica (Editors). WIT Press.

Pedersen, A., (2002) Managing Tourism at World Heritage Sites: a Practical Manual for World
Heritage site managers, World Heritage Paper No. 1, UNESCO, World Heritage Centre, Paris,

Perera W.P.N., Wijewickrama T., Lodewyke A., Karunarathna S., AlawattaI. Vidanapathirana
D.R, Wikramasinghe L.J.M. and Goonatilake S. de A. (2018) Trekking guide to Knuckles
Conservation Forest, IUCN Sri Lanka country office, Colombo, 148pp.

Wickramasinghe et. al. (2019) A new species of Aspidura Wagler, 1830 (Squamata:
Colubridae: Natricinae) from Knuckles, World Heritage Site, Sri Lanka, Zootaxa. 4559 (2):
265–280.

UNESCO (2012), Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage
Convention, UNESCO, World Heritage Centre, Paris,

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Annex 01: Summery of stakeholder consultation
 

Society Name Remarks

Forest department Local and regional All FD officers highlighted the importance of developing
officers from FD visitor infrastructure facilities at Riverston. According to
their observations a large number of visitors arrive to
Riverston area during weekends and holiday periods.
They are planning to implement visitor management
programmes to protect the pristine habitat of Riverston
area while providing basic facilities to visitors.

Matale Parisara Mr. Ravindra They are not in agreement with any construction work
Mithuro Kahandawaarachchi, inside the Knuckles Conservation Forest. But they are
Mr S. Bandara, Mr not against the improvement of visitor facilities to
Jayantha Attanayake, Knuckles visitors.
Mr. Gamini Jaynanda

Dumbara Surakinno Mr. Nimal They agree with the improvement of visitor facilities in
Kanaheraarachchci the Riverston area. But they emphasis the importance of
incorporating environmental safeguards during the
construction work. Further, recommended that the new
facilities should not disturb the Knuckles landscape.

GAFEC Mr. Gamini Jayathissa They agree with the proposed improvement of visitor
facilities.

Herpetological Mr L.J. Mendis Riverston area is home to a large number of endemic

society of Sri Lanka Wickramasinghe and threatened species with several undescribed
species. Recommended to critically consider all
precautions to minimize the damage to endemic and
threatened plant and animal species. Further,
recommended to strongly implement a proper solid
waste management programme for the Riverston area.

Riveston local Mr. I.G. Ranasinghe They do not want to settle in any other place from their
vendors Bandara, Mr. V. current place. Most of the visitors do not climb towards
Yogaraja, Mr. V the telecommunication tower and stay around the main
Govindana road. The business is highly seasonal and are restricted
to weekends and school holidays. There are six local
members who run businesses here and, according to
them that is the maximum carrying capacity for the
business.

Priya Mapitigama Mr. Douglas Collected the information about the proposed designs
Design company Karunarathne and possible amendments, which can be incorporated
based on IUCN suggestions

19 
 
Annex 02: Critical faunal species in the proposed construction
 

Scientific Name English Name Species

Status
Amphibians
1 Lankanectus pera Knuckles corrugated water END
frog
2 Pseudophilautus fulvus Knuckles shrub frog END
3 Pseudophilautus hankeni Hanken's shrub frog END
4 Pseudophilautus hoffmanni Hoffman's shrub frog END
5 Pseudophilautus macropus Bigfoot shrub frog END
6 Psedophilautus mooreorum Moore’s shrub frog END
7 Pseudophilautus steineri Steiner's shrub frog END
8 Pseudophilautus stuarti Stuart;s shrub frog END
9 Reptiles
10 Ceratophora tennentii Leafnose lizard END
11 Cophotis dumbara Knuckles pygmy lizard END
12 Cnemaspis phillipsi Phillip's day gecko END
13 Cnemaspis punctate Dotted day gecko END
14 Cyrtodactylus soba Knuckles forest gecko END
15 Calotes manamendrai Manamendra’s whistling END
lizard
16 Calotes pethiyagodai Pethiyagoda’s crestless lizard END
17 Aspidura desilvai de Silva’s rough-side snake END

Mammals
18 Solisorex pearsoni Pearson's long-clawed shrew END
19 Paradoxurus montanus Sri Lanka brown palm civet END
Crabs
20 Ceylonthelphusa diva END

Butterflies
21 Parantica taprobana Ceylon tiger END
Dragonflies
24 Ceylonosticta adami Adam's shadowdamsel END
25 Ceylonosticta austeni Austin's shadowdamsel END
26 Ceylonosticta brincki Brinck's shadowdamsel END
27 Ceylonosticta submontana Bordered knob-tipped END
shadowdamsel
28 Ceylonosticta walli Wall's shadowdamsel END
29 Heliogomphus nietneri Nietner's grappletail END

20 
 
Annex 03: Critical flora species of proposed construction sites
 

Scientific Name Common Name Species status

1 Strobilanthes pulcherrima Nelu END

2 Semecarpus gardneri END

3 Ilex knucklensis Knuckles Ilex END

4 Calophyllum trapezifolium Keena END

5 Calophyllum walker Keena END

6 Cinnamomum litseaefolium Val kurundu END

7 Eugenia rotundata END

8 Elaeocarpus amoenus Gal veralu END

9 Elaeocarpus montanus Gal veralu END

10 Exacum trinervium Nil binara END

11 Henckelia communis END

12 Syzygium fergusoni Dumbara damba END

13 Syzygium spathulatum END

14 Adrorhizon purpurascens END

15 Bulbophyllum purpureum END

16 Robiquetia brevifolia END

17 Zeuxine regia Wana-raja END

18 Piper zeylanicum END

19 Psychotria gardneri END

20 Arundinaria debilis END

END - Endemic

21 
 
Stakeholder Consultations
 

Stakeholder discussion at Riverston

Stakeholder discussion at regional forest office at Matale

22 
 
 23 
 
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature

IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature was founded in 1948. IUCN
helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and
development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all
over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United
Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and
implement policy, laws and best practice.
IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic
membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member
organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries.
IUCN’s work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 60 offices and
hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. The Union’s
headquarters are located in Gland, near Geneva, Switzerland.
In Sri Lanka, through its Country Programme the Union seeks to fulfil this mission in
collaboration with its various Commission Members, National Committee Members
and Partners in Sri Lanka. IUCN in Sri Lanka commenced its operations since August
1988.

 
 
 
 
 
INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
Sri Lanka Country Office
No. 53 Horton Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
Tel. +94 11 2682418, 2682488, 5734786
Fax +94 11 2682470
https://www.iucn.org/asia/countries/sri-lanka  
 
Ceratophora tennentii, an endemic
Lizard to Knuckles Mountain Range
and commonly seen in Riverston area