Our vision is a future where empowered individuals and communities work together to safeguard tropical ecosystems and biodiversity, creating lasting harmony between people and nature.
The Mission of the Tropical Ecosystem Research Network is to conserve nature, specifically in the tropics, by actively engaging in and facilitating research, training, education, and community engagement that can help reduce threats to biodiversity.
We are living in a critical era where urgent action is required to combat global biodiversity loss. As an oceanic island rich in unique ecosystems,Sri Lanka presents immense opportunities for ecological research and nature studies, while also facing its own conservation challenges. The Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) is a nonprofit organization in Sri Lanka dedicated to conserving biodiversity and protecting the environment. We achieve this through research, training, conservation initiatives, advocacy, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. By bridging the gaps between people, science, and conservation, TERN empowers communities and stakeholders to translate knowledge into action. Through collaboration with regional and global partners, we work to safeguard tropical ecosystems and foster lasting solutions for both nature and people.
The Tropical Ecosystem Restoration Network (TERN) was established in 2010 by Prof. Enoka P. Kudavidanage, a conservation biologist affiliated with a Sri Lankan university, and Ravindra Amarasinghe, an IT engineer from a leading conglomerate who turned his passion toward wildlife research. What began as a small initiative has since grown into a vibrant community of professionals, researchers, practitioners, and conservation enthusiasts working together to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable living.
Over the years, TERN has evolved into a dynamic family, bringing together diverse expertise to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges. Our work spans research, training and field courses for students and professionals, community outreach, knowledge management, and capacity building for NGOs, CBOs, and practitioners. We engage in problem-solving through networking and collaboration, delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.
Working within one of the most diverse and unique ecosystems on Earth, our efforts focus on safeguarding vulnerable wildlife while ensuring long-term benefits for local communities. We believe that conservation is not only about protecting species but also about empowering people. By guiding communities to solve environmental issues at the grassroots level, we mobilise community-based conservation programs that create sustainable economic opportunities and strengthen resilience.
TERN collaborates with a wide range of local and international organisations, government agencies, and non-government partners to implement projects and share knowledge. Our expertise lies in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and broader areas of environmental conservation. We also organise local and international meetings, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms to connect stakeholders and foster collective action.
Through our projects, we provide meaningful opportunities for students and young professionals to gain experience, while creating a challenging and rewarding environment for anyone ready to contribute to protecting nature for generations to come. Every initiative, whether led directly by TERN or carried out in partnership, is conducted responsibly, within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks, ensuring integrity in all that we do.
At TERN, we are committed to bridging science, practice, and community action to create solutions that protect Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and safeguard the natural systems that sustain life. Our story is one of passion, collaboration, and an unwavering belief that conservation is a shared responsibility and together, we can make a lasting difference.
