Mahausakande

Mahausakande is a pioneering initiative in Sri Lanka, dedicated to regenerating tropical rainforests on formerly abandoned rubber plantation lands adjacent to the Bambaragala Mookalana forest. Spanning 24 hectares (60 acres), the project aims to restore these areas into indigenous rainforests, thereby preserving the nation's unique biodiversity. By engaging local communities, Mahausakande promotes sustainable livelihoods through the production of forest garden products such as kithul treacle, bee honey, black pepper, goraka, areca, and cardamom. The initiative also collaborates with women's groups in Hindurangala to craft eco-friendly products like shopping bags from old newspapers, greeting cards from recycled paper, and jewelry from discarded coconut shells. Committed to education and research, Mahausakande offers ecotourism experiences, school programs, and welcomes researchers focusing on various ecological studies.

Ongoing biodiversity surveys, conducted by trained village guides, monitor the area's rich fauna, including birds, reptiles, mammals, butterflies, and amphibians. Through sharing experiences and best practices, Mahausakande encourages the replication of its conservation efforts.