Buffer zones and elephants

Crisis may worsen without buffer zones

By Lakna Paranamanna

Environmentalists yesterday expressed concern over Environment Ministry attempts to authorize the removal of ‘buffer zones’ surrounding national parks for tourism projects as it would further fuel the human-elephant conflict. Young Zoologists’ Association former president Pubudu Weeraratne said the removal of the ‘buffer zones’ would worsen the human-elephant crisis. “The ‘buffer zones’ provide protection to the elephants’ comfort zones and corridors. If tourism projects and constructions are allowed to take place in the buffer zones, it would only further limit the habitat areas where elephants can freely roam,” Mr. Weeraratne said. Senior environmentalist and environmental lawyer Jagath Gunawardena said the ‘buffer zone’ around national parks came into being by way of Section III A of the Fauna and Flora Ordinance which was amended in 1993. “The reasons that led to such a regulation were ecological. Since the construction resulted in a lot of noise, light and use of chemicals harmful to animals which in turn affects the wild animals, a buffer zone was created to protect the wildlife in parks,” he said.  Mr. Gunawardena said the removal of the ‘buffer zones’ would also provide a leeway for individuals engaging in illegal activities to exploit the wildlife in their natural habitats.  “Also the hotels that will be constructed in the buffer zones will try to attract animals with food and other enticements which will create unwanted problems and it will also lessen the number of visitors to national parks in the country,” he added.

Source: http://print.dailymirror.lk/news/news/48731.html