Minuwan Ella, Deraniyagala
In May 2022, a yearlong effort came to fruition when PLANT completed acquisition of three parcels of adjoining lands in the ecologically sensitive Peak Wilderness area off Erathna. The properties on the Minuwan Ella Estate, ensure around Forty-four Acres of refuge to a very diverse range of species.
In May 2022, a yearlong effort came to fruition when PLANT completed acquisition of three parcels of adjoining lands in the ecologically sensitive Peak Wilderness area off Erathna. The properties on the Minuwan Ella Estate, ensure around Forty-four Acres of refuge to a very diverse range of species. PLANT is very proud to have obtained funding for purchase through two globally strong conservation Partners from USA, namely Rainforest Trust (www.rainforesttrust.org ) and The Quick Response Fund for Nature, through the Preventing Extinction Fund (www.quickresponsefund.org ). These were two partners from USA who believed in the PLANT vision and inspired WNPS to do more and we will always remain indebted.
Since 1988, Rainforest Trust has been safeguarding imperiled tropical habitats and saving endangered species by establishing protected areas in partnership with local organizations and communities. With its partners, Rainforest Trust has safeguarded more than 37 million acres of vital habitat across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The Quick Response Fund for Nature (QRFN) is a philanthropic collaboration focused on protecting some of the world’s most critical sites for endangered species.
These combined blocks have two streams on either side of the property, some small waterfalls, and it virtually borders the spectacular Minuwan Ella falls. The location benefitted from some previous studies done (thanks to Mendis Wickramasinghe and team) and showed that the property is home to an astonishing 145 endemic species count within its small confines. The location is adjacent to a tea plantation and forest newly cleared for Cinnamon and thus provides critical connectivity for species movement along streams and ridges, plus important undisturbed breeding grounds for many of them. PLANT is currently establishing the boundary signage and installing Camera traps (Sponsored by Retrace Hospitality) within the property. MAS Capital has funded a reforestation initiative within parts of the location.
