In partnership with the “Wildlife Society Sri Lanka,” this project within a sustainable tourism NGO provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to work alongside local researchers, educators, community partners, and village residents in the heart of a nature reserve in Sri Lanka. Wasgamuwa is one of the protected regions in Sri Lanka where large herds of elephants and a variety of birds can be observed, making it an ideal destination for sustainable tourism.

This project focuses on authentic conservation efforts, observing elephants in their natural habitat. It involves genuine research activities such as tracking, observation, and raising awareness among local communities through prevention campaigns.

Highlights of the project within a sustainable tourism NGO:

• Experience the incredible opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat.
• Learn from local researchers about elephants and their behavior.
• Witness elephants in a more natural setting, interacting with their environment.
• Explore Sri Lanka during your free time.
• Raise awareness among the local population about the importance of elephant conservation.

The Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka:

The challenge of overpopulation is a tangible issue in Sri Lanka, especially with the expansion of human settlements encroaching on the territory of wild elephants. This leads to a decrease in space for elephants, diseases transmitted between domestic and wild animals, difficult coexistence with villagers, and destruction of infrastructure and homes.

There is an urgent need for strategic action to resolve the conflict between humans and elephants, aiming to protect Sri Lanka’s wild elephants and improve the welfare of captive elephants.

Volunteer Roles in Sri Lanka:

• Gather information on elephants and other species within the ecosystem of the nature reserve.
• Collect environmental and socio-economic data to support community-based conservation projects.
• Engage in dialogue with local villagers to identify practical solutions to the human-elephant conflict.
• Observe, evaluate, and document the conflict, as well as educate local populations in schools.
• Build and repair fences to protect agricultural fields and homes from wild elephants.

Logistics of the Project:

Upon arrival, volunteers are welcomed at Colombo airport and transferred to Polonnaruwa, near Wasgamuwa National Park, where they will meet the local team of researchers. The project site is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Polonnaruwa (230km by car).

Upon arrival, the local team will provide an orientation session for all volunteers, and depending on the arrival time, the group may visit the field to observe elephants.

Work hours will vary based on activities, but generally start early in the morning and end in the early evening, with breakfast and lunch provided during the day and dinner served in the evening in this sustainable tourism NGO project.