A STUDY OF THE ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE PELWATTE SUGAR PLANTATION AREA

Abstract

A concept of developing an ecotourism plan for Pelwatte Sugar Industry (PSI) had been conceived in order to reduce the social, ecological and economical problems arising from monoculture plantation and to make sustainable utilization of the available natural resources. To implement the concept, it is essential to identify the ecotourism potential of the area, which is the major objective of this study. The objective was achieved by identification of the unique features and Ecological,economical and socio-cultural values of the plantation area. The identification phase covered the mapping of the site, the preparation of faunal and floral checklists, extracting information through discussions and personal communication and making necessary field observations. In the designing phase numbers of suitable sites were identified and ecotourism packages were designed. In the evaluation phase the sites were ranked based on the MCDM method to develop a hierarchy of sites. The next phase covered the valuation where the site was given an economic value through CV method. Finally, a SWOT analysis was carried out with the PSI management to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the development of an ecotourism plan. Faunal and floral diversity included 129sp of birds, 13 reptiles, 27mammals, 36 butterflies and 62 plant species were identified. 11 different habitat types were located within the study area. The total number of activities proposed was 17. Four ecotourism packages were derived; namely relaxing, educational, adventure and nature activities. Evaluation of the blocks of the PSI was carried out using a numerical method that quantified each block based on the sites available for each ecotourism activity. This categorization put Pelwatte section three in the top position. Although it was the overall results, each block is unique in terms of different activities suggesting the potential of the whole area. The economic valuation revealed that majority of the people is willing to pay Rs. 1600 initially for the entrance to the site.The regression analysis showed the relationship between the willingness to pay and the income level. Finally the SWOT analysis concluded that the PSI area holds a high potential to development of a successful ecotourism program. Defining,implementing and monitoring a strategy plan can be recommended from this study supported by future studies suggested.