COLLABORATORS
Conservation is a collective journey.
At TERN, we believe that safeguarding Sri Lanka’s biodiversity cannot be done in isolation. At TERN, we believe that meaningful conservation is never the work of a single organization it is built through collaboration, trust, and shared vision. Partner, collaborator, and supporter become part of a larger story—one where science, communities, and nature come together to ensure that ecosystems thrive for future generations.
Together, we bridge the gaps.
From grassroots organizations to global institutions, from local farmers to conservation professionals, our collaborators play a vital role in turning ideas into action. Their trust, expertise, and resources enable us to connect people with nature, transform landscapes, and achieve lasting impact. From academic institutions that strengthen our research, to government agencies that provide critical guidance, to NGOs, private sector allies, and community groups that share resources and local knowledge each contribution helps us bridge the gap between science, practice, and people. Their support enables us to launch pioneering projects, build capacity, expand education and awareness, and safeguard ecosystems where wildlife and communities coexist. Together, we turn research into action and vision into impact, ensuring that conservation in Sri Lanka remains resilient, inclusive, and globally connected. Through these partnerships, TERN amplifies its mission of research, education, conservation, and community engagement building resilience not just for wildlife, but for the people who share these landscapes.
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National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore is one of TERN’s longest-standing partners, providing scientific expertise and strong academic leadership. Under the guidance of Prof. Edward L. Webb (Department of Biological Sciences), NUS co-leads the Leopard Conservation and Ecology Project (Leo-CEP) in Horton Plains and Lunugamwehera National Parks. NUS has also co-organized undergraduate field courses in Sri Lanka, offering students a unique opportunity to study tropical ecosystems firsthand. This collaboration has been pivotal in shaping TERN’s growth and direction in the conservation sector.
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University of Western Australia (UWA)
TERN partnered with the University of Western Australia to co-organize undergraduate field courses in Sri Lanka. Guided by Prof. Theo Evans, this collaboration provided Australian students with immersive learning experiences in biodiversity-rich landscapes, reinforcing the value of field-based education in building the next generation of conservation scientists.
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City University of New York (CUNY)
CUNY was TERN’s first international research partner through the Buddhism and Biodiversity project led by Prof. David J. Lohman. This collaboration marked TERN’s entry into global-scale conservation research and highlighted the importance of integrating cultural dimensions into biodiversity conservation.
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British Ecological Society (BES)
The British Ecological Society supported TERN’s pioneering dung beetle research and awareness initiative, “Get the Ball Rolling.” This project not only advanced scientific understanding of ecosystem services but also raised public awareness about the role of dung beetles in biodiversity and forest health.
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Department of Wildlife Conservation (Sri Lanka)
As the main permit-granting authority for wildlife research in Sri Lanka, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) plays a central role in TERN’s field projects. Beyond regulatory oversight, DWC staff collaborate closely with TERN researchers in the field. Training and capacity-building of wildlife officers are built into many TERN projects, ensuring that conservation science is embedded into everyday park management.
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Forest Department (Sri Lanka)
The Forest Department is TERN’s key partner for research in forest reserves and protected areas. Its collaboration is vital for projects ranging from biodiversity monitoring to forest restoration. TERN integrates training and joint capacity-building efforts with Forest Department officers, ensuring that conservation actions are grounded in science and practical management needs.
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GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP – UNDP Sri Lanka)
TERN partnered with the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme to lead knowledge management and capacity-building initiatives under both the CBR+ program and SGP OP4. Through this role, TERN supported grassroots conservation projects, enhanced documentation and knowledge sharing, and helped amplify community-led solutions for biodiversity, climate, and land degradation challenges.
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Dilmah Conservation
A steadfast supporter of TERN, Dilmah Conservation has played a vital role in enabling large-scale conservation initiatives. Their contributions range from major support to the CARE Project to the two-year conservation technology program at the Dilmah One Earth Climate Change Monitoring Centre. Dilmah’s commitment to conservation, research, and education has been instrumental in driving forward TERN’s mission.
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EcoLaVerna Integral Restoration Ecology
Founded by Dr. Finbarr Horgan, EcoLaVerna collaborates with TERN on projects that bridge ecology, human well-being, and cultural values. Dr. Horgan also co-led TERN’s pesticide-related research in Sri Lanka, contributing expertise on agroecology and sustainable farming landscapes.
MAS Capital (Private) Limited
MAS Capital collaborates with TERN on the restoration, monitoring, and long-term management of the Suduweli Ara forest in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. This partnership highlights how private-sector commitment can drive sustainability and support human–wildlife coexistence in vulnerable landscapes.
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Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is one of TERN’s most significant international partners, spearheading the Conservation, Awareness, Research, and Education (CARE) Project in Sooriyawewa. Together, TERN and the Memphis Zoo established the CARE Base Camp, a hub for research, training, and community engagement in Sri Lanka’s biodiversity-rich dry zone. The station provides dormitories, labs, and facilities for researchers, students, and conservation practitioners, and also serves as a centre for outreach and education. Beyond infrastructure, the Memphis Zoo has mobilised critical fundraising, technical expertise, and long-term commitment to ensure the CARE project’s sustainability. Their support has enhanced protection for elephants, leopards, and other species threatened by deforestation and land-use change. By linking local conservation with global expertise, the Memphis Zoo and TERN partnership stands as a model of international collaboration, community engagement, and biodiversity protection.
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Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL)
Through its affiliation with Prof. Enoka Kudavidanage, SUSL plays a vital role in TERN’s work. The university’s students and researchers benefit directly from TERN’s projects, field courses, and training opportunities, while SUSL contributes to the growth of TERN’s mission through its academic strength and institutional support.
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XTBG Megafauna Ecology Group
Founded by Dr. Li Bao, the XTBG Megafauna Ecology Group collaborates with TERN on research focused on large mammal conservation and ecosystem connectivity. The group contributes extensive expertise in wildlife ecology, habitat management, and community-based conservation, advancing understanding of megafauna roles in sustaining tropical ecosystem health.
