4,500 Multi – Task Development Officers will be engaged to boost conservation efforts – Minister of Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation

Minister of Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi revealed that the Ministry of Finance has granted approval to engage the services of 4,500 multi-tasks development officers to maintain elephant-fences and mitigate Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) as well as boost other conservation efforts within the Ministry of Wildlife.

The minister also stated that the demarcation of forest boundaries, which is part of the project aimed at increasing the country’s forest coverage to 32% of the total land area, is anticipated to be finalized this year.

Minister of Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi made these remarks during her participation in a news conference held at the Presidential Media Centre on Monday (11), focusing on the theme ‘Collective path to a Stable Country’.

The Minister further commented that the International Day of Forests falls on March 21.  ‘Concurrently, efforts are underway to distribute one plant to each household across the island, with forest extension officers being deployed for this purpose. A program has already been initiated to boost forest population while safeguarding water catchment areas. The program is set to   commence from the Ratnapura district.