“Nature can recover. It just needs a little help. The Endane Biodiversity Corridor can be a model, and we will see the full outcome in a few years.”
– Jean-Christophe Vié, Director General of Fondation Franklinia
Jean-Christophe Vié visited our Endane Biodiversity Corridor to observe the progress of our conservation initiative, supported by Fondation Franklinia, for both in-situ and ex-situ conservation of threatened, endemic rainforest tree species in Southwestern Sri Lanka. His visit provided an opportunity to assess the impact of this ongoing effort.
Why conservation matters
With deforestation accelerating worldwide and even within Sri Lanka, the risk to our biodiversity has never been greater. Forests – home to countless species – are shrinking, leaving many plants and animals struggling to survive.
While in-situ conservation (protecting species in their natural habitats) remains the primary strategy, ex-situ conservation (protecting species outside their natural habitats) has become a vital backup plan for biodiversity at risk. It acts as a lifeline for endangered species, offering a way to nurture and restore them before it’s too late. By establishing captive breeding programs, seed banks, and plant nurseries, conservationists ensure that species on the brink of extinction have a fighting chance.
Some species are so critically endangered that they no longer have viable populations in the wild. In such cases, ex-situ conservation becomes the last hope for their survival.
What we do at our Field Research Centre at Endane
At Dilmah Conservation’s Field Research Centre at Endane, we have been at the forefront of both in-situ and ex-situ conservation. In 2020, we established a dedicated plant nursery for threatened and endangered plant species, focusing on their protection and restoration.
Our efforts so far include:
– 545 tree species georeferenced for in-situ conservation
– 188 threatened tree species georeferenced (allowing users to determine the location on map) in Walankanda Forest Reserve
– 13,804 seedlings of rainforest species raised in nurseries, representing 173 species, 85 globally threatened tree species nurtured in our nurseries
– 6,180 seedlings planted in the Endane Biodiversity Corridor for in-situ conservation
– 60 globally threatened tree species planted in Endane Biodiversity Corridor & Seethawaka Botanical Garden
– 1,120 plants distributed to four ex-situ forest restoration sites under our direct supervision
One of our most remarkable achievements is the rediscovery of two rainforest tree species previously classified as “Extinct in the Wild” (EW):
- Doona ovalifolia
- Alphonsea hortensis
These species were found outside protected areas, georeferenced, and successfully propagated for ex-situ conservation, ensuring their survival for future generations.
Joining hands with Fondation Franklinia
In 2021, Fondation Franklinia, Switzerland, recognized our mission and provided funding to protect Sri Lanka’s threatened and endemic rainforest trees. Their support has allowed us to expand our conservation efforts and strengthen both in-situ and ex-situ initiatives.
As a symbolic gesture of commitment to conservation, Jean-Christophe Vié, Director General of Fondation Franklinia, during his visit to the Seethawaka Botanical Garden in March 2025, planted a Doona ovalifolia -a plant that was previously classified as Extinct in the Wild and rediscovered, symbolising a shared commitment to global conservation.
The Future is in Our Hands
Conservation is not just about preserving the past, it’s about securing the future. By protecting our forests, nurturing endangered species, and restoring lost habitats, we ensure that future generations inherit a world rich in biodiversity.
What we conserve today, we will have for the future!
