Title: Prospects and Challenges for Forestry and Forestry Education in Sri Lanka
Time: Wed. Oct 16, 2024, 7-8 PM PST (Vancouver)
Dr. Gamini Pushpakumara
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Dr. Gamini Pushpakumara
•Agricultural/Agroforestry Scientist with over 34 years of experience; Senior Professor in Crop Science; Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA); former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture; elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences Sri Lanka;
•B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya; M.Sc. in Forestry and its Relation to Land Use, and Ph.D. in Forest Genetics & Germplasm Conservation from the University of Oxford;
•Research covering system approach to agriculture, forest genetics and tree domestication, agrobiodiversity, homegardens/agroforestry, pteridophytes, climate change, and food security;
•Worked with global organizations such as FAO, ICRAF, UNDP;
•Over 120 peer-reviewed publications and 25 books/book chapters
Abstract
Forestry is vital to Sri Lanka’s environmental sustainability, economic growth, and biodiversity conservation, particularly as the country is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. With increasing deforestation, climate change, and land-use conflicts, the urgency for sustainable forestry practices has never been greater. Technological advancements, climate-smart agroforestry, and international collaborations offer promising opportunities to restore degraded lands, expand agroforests, and conserve natural forests. Initiatives like REDD+ and carbon trading provide financial incentives for sustainable forest management, while community-based forestry fosters long-term conservation. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including deforestation driven by agricultural expansion, illegal logging, insufficient funding, political support, and weak policy frameworks. To address these issues, forestry education must evolve by incorporating modern technology, sustainability principles, and hands-on skills. Collaboration between academic institutions, industries, and government agencies is critical to preparing the next generation of forestry professionals. With the right strategies, Sri Lanka’s forestry sector has the potential to contribute significantly to both environmental protection and socio-economic development.