Forest fragmentation and land-use change are among the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. In Sri Lanka, the expansion of intensive agriculture, particularly monoculture plantations, has driven habitat loss, fragmentation, and biodiversity decline. Yet, these same landscapes also hold potential as complementary spaces for conservation if managed wisely. Tea plantations, which dominate large swathes of Sri Lanka’s hill country, can serve as biodiversity refuges when integrated with conservation-friendly practices such as incorporating native shade trees, organic farming, and preserving forest fragments. With the right ecological understanding and technological tools, these agricultural systems can contribute both to sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Recognizing this potential, TERN and Dilmah Conservation launched the project “Introducing Novel Technologies for Better Conservation Management of Agricultural Landscapes” in 2019. Anchored at Dilmah’s One Earth Centre for Climate Change Research and Adaptation in Nawalapitiya, the initiative focuses on blending traditional ecological surveys with advanced technologies to improve biodiversity monitoring and land management in tea landscapes adjoining the Rilagala Forest.

Project Objectives
The project was designed around six core objectives:
1.    Document the extent, terrain, and habitat complexity of the study area while identifying embedded forest fragments and conservation priorities.
2.    Conduct biodiversity inventories to establish baseline species richness and abundance.
3.    Develop a continuous, standardized sampling protocol for use by students, researchers, and plantation managers.
4.    Create a centralized data collection system and produce educational material based on findings.
5.    Build staff and community capacity through training programs and awareness initiatives.
6.    Establish pathways to apply research outcomes to conservation action, replication, and policy.

Phased Implementation

Phase I: Establishing the Foundation (2019)

•    Biodiversity Inventory: Initial field research was conducted by TERN with participation from Sabaragamuwa University, documenting species in tea estates and adjoining forests.
•    Training: Plantation managers at Queensberry Estate received hands-on training in using camera traps for wildlife monitoring.
•    Research Dissemination: Findings and imagery were presented at the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation International Conference (2019), marking the project’s introduction to the global scientific community.

Phase II: Expanding Assessments (2021–2022)

•    A rapid biodiversity assessment expanded the scope of surveys, covering birds, butterflies, dragonflies, herpetofauna, and mammals across tea plantations and the Rilagala Forest.
•    Permanent sampling trails were established, enabling long-term monitoring.
•    Postgraduate research explored the role of dung beetles as biological indicators in plantations.
•    The project facilitated international collaborations, including with the Landmark Leopard Foundation (South Africa) on human–leopard conflict in tea landscapes, and with the Memphis Zoo, which expressed interest in long-term engagement.

Phase III: Technology-Driven Conservation (Ongoing)

•    Camera Traps & Drones: Used for systematic biodiversity monitoring in both plantations and forest edges.
•    EarthRanger Integration: TERN introduced EarthRanger, a globally recognized software for ecological monitoring and decision-making, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector.
•    Capacity Building: Training programs were expanded to include Dilmah staff, plantation workers, students, and local communities, emphasizing biodiversity stewardship and coexistence.
•    Community Awareness: Awareness workshops for schoolchildren and teachers were launched to nurture conservation-friendly mindsets in the region.

Expected Outcomes

•    Ecological Benefits: Enhanced biodiversity data, improved conservation management of tea landscapes, and strengthened protection of embedded forest fragments.
•    Educational Impact: Practical training opportunities for students and plantation staff, fostering future conservation leaders.
•    Community Engagement: Stronger local awareness and participation in biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.
•    Technological Innovation: Integration of tools like EarthRanger and drones into conservation monitoring, providing scalable models for other agricultural landscapes in Sri Lanka.

Looking Ahead

This project demonstrates the transformative role of private-sector engagement in conservation. With Dilmah’s commitment to sustainability and TERN’s expertise in ecological research, the initiative is creating a replicable model for conservation in production landscapes.
Next steps include:
•    Establishing a permanent biodiversity monitoring protocol.
•    Launching a centralized interactive data platform to share findings.
•    Publishing a comprehensive book compiling results from biodiversity surveys, community programs, and technology applications.
Ultimately, this partnership shows that agricultural landscapes, when managed with ecological foresight, can support both people and biodiversity, a vision that can inspire the plantation sector across Sri Lanka and beyond.