Madampa Lake Wildlife Sanctuary spans 319 hectares of wetlands and open water, forming one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically significant coastal ecosystems. The lake supports rich biodiversity, including mangroves, migratory birds, fish species, reptiles, and endemic flora.
Beyond its ecological importance, Madampa Lake also holds deep cultural value. For generations, local communities have developed traditional livelihoods closely connected to the lake’s natural resources — demonstrating that conservation and daily life can coexist.
Under the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), sustainable wetland tourism at Madampa Lake is being developed in close partnership with local communities. The objective is clear: conserve biodiversity while strengthening community-based livelihoods and climate resilience.
One inspiring example is Swarnna and her family, who have been engaged in traditional coconut fiber yarn making for many years. This craft, passed down through generations, uses locally available coconut husks to produce strong, natural fiber—an environmentally friendly material deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s rural heritage.
Through the project, Swarnna now welcomes visitors to her home-based workspace. Tourists have the opportunity to observe and learn the traditional process of soaking, beating, drying, and spinning coconut fiber into yarn. What was once only a subsistence livelihood has now become an educational cultural experience.
This initiative creates additional income for her family, diversifying household earnings while preserving traditional knowledge. More importantly, Swarnna contributes back to nature. Part of the income generated supports conservation efforts led by the Nagenahiru Foundation, including mangrove restoration, environmental education, and wetland protection activities at Madampa Lake.
Her story demonstrates the core principle of community-based wetland tourism:
When local traditions are valued, livelihoods improve.
When livelihoods improve, communities protect nature.
At Madampa Lake, conservation is not separate from daily life—it is woven together with culture, skill, and community responsibility.
The LLBCP is a global initiative coordinated by the Global Nature Fund under the Living Lakes Network. Implemented in ten countries, the project promotes nature-based solutions to protect and restore lakes and wetlands while strengthening climate resilience and community livelihoods. In Sri Lanka, the Nagenahiru Foundation leads local implementation at Madampa Lake, translating global biodiversity and climate objectives into concrete, community-driven conservation actions.
This initiative is part of the LLBCP, funded by BMUKN through IKI and supported by German Postcode Lottery, Kärcher, Lonza, Ground Lake, Georg Fischer Foundation, and many individual donors.