CONSERVATION OF CROP WILD RELATIVES : A SRI LANKAN EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Sri Lanka is considered as a hotspot of biodiversity as most its forests are rich in different Crop Wild Relatives (CWR). CWR include wild relatives of crop ancestors and other species. In fact, they are a critical source of genes for resistance to diseases, pests and stresses such as droughts, floods and temperatures. However, most of the CWR are increasingly at a risk. This investigation focused on one important wild plant speciesKapuru Kurundu (Cinnomomum capparu-coronde Blume). And the main objective is to establish conservation policies while integrating community’s participation. The investigation has been carried out in the surrounding villages of Kanneliya forest reserve located in the Southern Province Sri Lanka. A series of case studies were conducted with the farmers of surrounding villages. The PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) tools were employed and informal discussions were also conducted. Observation visits were made to demarcate the existing plants. Results reveal that community is used to extract the plant, especially as an indigenous medicine directly for toothache, ointments, bronchitis, rheumatism, snake bites, breakages and fractures. In fact, bark oil contained eugenol and root oil was rich in camphor. Further, results disclose that certain illegal groups extract the plant and trade for commercial purposes. This warranted an urgent programme for conservation. Hence, in-situ and ex-situ conservations were started in Kanneliya forest reserve. Moreover, community conservation groups were strengthened in the surrounding villages to mitigate illegal removal, and conserve Kapuru Kurundu plant.


INTRODUCTION
Ecological resource management is well emphasized in development programmes.Further, issues pertaining to this theme have attracted the scientist and conservationists throughout the world.Sri Lanka is considered as a hotspot of biodiversity as most of its forests are rich in different Crop Wild Relatives (CWR).CWR include wild relatives of crop ancestors and other species (Biodiversity International, 2006).In fact, they are a critical source of genes for resistance to diseases, pests and stresses such as droughts, floods, and temperatures.However, most of the CWR are increasingly at a risk.They are threatened to habitat loss through the destruction and degradation of natural environments, deforestation, urbanization or converting their habitats to other development activities.As the, CWR provide a sig-nificant socio-economic value to the communities, they are tended to rapid exploitation, especially by the people living in adjoining areas of forest reserves.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is one of the important export crops in Sri Lanka.It has earned USD 132 million in 2013 (Central Bank, 2013).In 2013, this crop has accounted approximately for 60 percent of foreign exchange earnings of export crops excluding major crops, tea, rubber and coconut.The CWR of Cinnamomum verum are existing in Sri Lanka.The CWR,-Cinnamomum camphora is an introduced plant while other seven species are endemic to the country.It was reported that the endemic Cinnamomum species are encountered to a serious threat.The cultivated species, Cinnamomum verum is well regarded as a spice and also use for medicinal For the investigation, a specific location was selected where Cinnamomum capparu coronde is existing.The Kanneliya -Dediyagala -Nakiyadeniya (KDN) forest complex is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, about 35 km north-west of Galle.The total area of the forest in the KDN complex is 10,139 ha.The Kanneliya forest reserve is the largest of three conjoined forests, which is about 5,306 ha in extent.The entire area of the Kanneliya forest reserve has been identified as the Conservation Reserve and Man Biosphere reserve.The extent of the forest in KDN complex is shown in table 2.
The floristic region of the KDN complex is considered as an area of exceptional endemicity, as 17 percent of the wet zone low land endemic flora is confined to this range of forest.The region has been identified as one of the most floristically rich areas in the South Asia.Despite the heavy logging, Kanneliya has retained its high bio-diversity value and in terms of bio diversity per unit area, it rivals the Singharaja -the world heritage forest.Bio diversity assessment in KDN recorded 319 woody species of which 52 percent are endemic, 22 percent are classified as endangered, 27 percent valuable and 45 percent are in the rare category.Some 220 faunal species with 19 78 purposes.The wild relatives are also show such values to a varying degree.This is the main reason for human exploitation.Table 1 demonstrates the Red Listing Status of the Wild Cinnamon species.
It was reported that Cinnamomum capparu coronde is confined to a very limited locations such as KDN (Kanneliya -Dediyagala -Nakiyadeniya) complex, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Gilimale -Erathne, Gongala, Ensalwatte, Walankanda, Kalugala and Haycoaks (Kumarathilake et al, 2010) and further has encountered to a serious extraction by the communities as it demonstrates significant socioeconomic value.However, community awareness of its social-economics value is very limited (Wijeratne et al, 2010) Hence, this study aimed at identification of indigenous knowledge pertaining to socio-economic value of this ecological resource, and further, establishes conservation polices.In fact, ultimate goal of the investigation is to launch awareness programmes for the surrounding villages of particular forest reserve integrating local knowledge to conserve this ecological resource.

MATERIALS AND METHOD
The study location There are 78 villages surrounding the KDN forests.More than 50 percent of the households in most of the villages receive samurdhi income support as they are below the government recognized poverty line.The rural economy of the villages around the KDN complex is based primarily on tea and paddy smallholdings.The economies of villagers living around the forest are at least primarily dependent on the forest for both timber and nontimber forest products.Medicinal plants, fuel wood, poles and posts are the most frequently used forest products by the villagers.Table 3 illustrates the surrounding villages (DS divisions) of KDN forest complex.

Primary Data Collection
The field investigation executed during May to December 2009 period.A series of informal discussions has been conducted with farmers who are dealing with Kapuru Kurundu.A considerable amount of information was collected with respect to existence of the crop.Further, a series of workshops were executed with identified community members who are benefiting from Kapuru Kurundu.Next, a series of participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques were conducted including social and resource map, transect walk, preference ranking and focus group discussions with the surrounding villages of Kanneliya forest reserve.

Morphology of the plant
Cinnamomum capparu coronde Blume is a tree evergreen plant.Bark gray (or brown) furrowed and leaves often aromatic.Leaves alternate, infrequently opposite.Leaf blade with (1-3) primary veins (or infrequently pin-79

Extraction of the plant
It was revealed that a range of CWR of cinnamon is existing in Sri Lanka as indigenous species.This study observed that the extraction of Cinnamomum capparu coronde prevailing in surrounding villages of Kanneliya reserve.The community members informed that certain illegal groups are geared for this activity.The study identified the main villages where such activities are prominent.They are Welankanda, Dediyawela, Ensalwatta, and Weerapana.
The PRA activities highlighted the significance of identification of Wal Kurundu (CWR) types, granting special reference to Cinnamomum capparu coronde.In fact, the members were unable to recognize these types from mature plants.However, when bark is removed, Kapuru Kurundu gives a strong aroma and they could feel the specific smell.

Present conservation methods
Participating in conservation methods, the members reported that in each village there are conservation committees to protect the forest reserves.In fact, there are about 15 such committees.These committees can be activated to in-situ conservation of Cinnamomum capparu coronde.The officials of the Kanneliya forest reserve have started an exsitu conservation by propagating the plant by seeds collected from the forest.

Potential uses and economic value
Eugenol is the major constituent in stem bark oil as well as the principal constituent in oil extracted from the leaves of Cinnamomum capparu coronde.Camphor is the major component in its root-bark oil.The bark, smelling of nutmeg or cloves is sold in Colombo as a medicine.Cinnamomum capparu coronde is directly using for local medicine, for toothache, ointments, bronchitis, rheumatism, snake bites, breakages and fractures.In addition Eugenol and other chemicals use for western medicine, industrial purposes, pesticides etc.If Cinnamomum capparu coronde is able to cultivate commercially, extraction of high amount of Eugenol and export to the world market is possible.
The market study indicated that Akuressa area is popular for cinnamon market.The share of 'Wal Kurundu' types claims only 1-2 percent of the trade.The traders could identify 'Wal Kurundu' but in the recent past, they have not handled such types.

National Information Systems of CWR
Cinnamomum capparu coronde is already added to National Information Systems of CWR.Effective and efficient information management is the root cause of any conservation programme.Such effort increase awareness about the plant including identification of the crop by morphological characteristics, natural distribution, population etc. Inclusion of such data to CWR information system provides the structure which can be accessed or mapped onto a data model, and further novel data can be added according to importance of the crop.Such information can be used by scientists and breeders to design and implement programmes to improve Cinnamomum capparu coronde.Further, modification to existing conservation plan can also be undertaken.This information system must be easily reachable to public.Effectiveness of access and use of the information systems are necessary to support conservation of this ecological resource, Cinnamomum capparu coronde.

Enhanced capacity and in-situ conservation
In-situ conservation means 'on-site conservation' of ecological resources.It is the process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat, either by protecting or by defending the species from predators.The conservation of eco-systems and natural habitats are important in any environmental conservation plan.Further, the plan should assure maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings.
Conservation of crop wild relatives is mainly based on in-situ conservation.This involves the protection of natural eco-system.Before establishment on in-situ conservation of Cinnamomum capparu coronde, it is important to identify the natural habitat of the crop, and estimate the populations.Those locations can be named as conservation areas of Cinnamomum capparu coronde.Planting materials can be distributed to cultivate in these areas to increase population of the plant.A person or a group of community members with knowledge on every aspects of Cinnamomum capparu coronde should be appointed in each conservation site to monitor the conservation strategy.

The importance of participatory management planning in, in-situ conservation
As stated in the national forest policy, the forest department has recognized the need for the involvement of the local people in forest management, planning and implementation of conservation programmes.This policy has already been put into practice in the management of KDN, Sinharaja and Knuckles forests.The management plan for KDN was formulated in 1995.Conservation of bio -diversity including rare and threaten species, conservation of soil and water resources, enhancement of quality of life for local people and sustainable flow of goods and services from the forest in order to provide economic opportunities for local people are the main objectives of the management plan.
The following are the basic principles which serve as the basis of the management plan.
Effective recognition of interdependence of communities and forests.
Local people to be involved effectively in planning and management.
Local people should be benefitted from the forest products.
Negative impacts of uses to be minimized.
Traditional uses and knowledge have to be accommodated in conservation programmes Support local community organizations in forest management.

Zoning the forest
The zoning system adopted in the KDN forest complex is resource based, whereby forest resources are classified according to their need for protection, requirements for man-

The management strategies
The key management strategies should be oriented to following aspects.
Restore or rehabilitate the natural forest.
Preserve the remaining areas of primary forest.
Involve local people and recognize traditional knowledge effectively in all aspects of management.
Use local forest goods and services principally for local benefits.Promote non-extractive economic activities based on forest resources.
Promote traditional use of forest products focusing on conservation.
Carry out research in order to improve forest management capability.
Use the forest as an educational resource.

Ex-situ conservation
Ex-situ conservation is the conservation and maintenance of samples of living organisms outside their natural habitat, in the form of entire plants, seeds, pollens, vegetative propagules and tissues or cell cultures.This approach supports or reinstating wild populations and habitats through population management, applied research, education and display.Ex-situ collections of living organisms (living collections, seeds, pollen, vege-tative propagules, and tissue or cell cultures) need to be managed according to strict scientific and horticultural standards to maximize their value for conservation purposes.

Cinnamomum capparu coronde
Awareness is need for conservation of plant genetic resources (PGR) especially concerning on crop wild relatives.Awareness of crop must stress the importance of the crop and its conservation, economic values, social implications, bio-diversity, contribution to crop improvement etc. Implementation of awareness programmes can be launched to improve community awareness of Cinnamomum capparu coronde.It will help to increase knowledge about this endangered plant.Such will limit over extraction, and further develop conserve attitude the plant.

Distribution of planting materials among the people
Distribution of planting materials among the people is a successful method to increase the population of Cinnamomum capparu coronde.At present, the kanneliya forest management is propagating this plant by seeds collected from the forest, and distribute seedlings among the community.

CONCLUSION
The Cinnamomum capparu coronde is a highly threatened species confined to few locations of the low country wet zone rain forests in the country, including Kanneliya forest reserve.Plant shows significant socialeconomic value, especially because of Eugenol and camphor.As a result, communities tend to exploit the entire plant and use as a local medicine.Realizing the decrease of population the conservation methods were established as in-situ and ex-situ methods.Moreover, awareness programmes were agement interventions, and ability to accommodate community use.Different zones are managed for different objectives.The Protection Zone (PZ), Traditional Use Zone (TUZ) Cultural Zone (CZ) and Buffer Zone (BZ) are the zones classified.

Table 1: Red Listing Status of the Wild Cinnamon species Species Global Red Listing Category National Red Listing Category
C.citrodorumCritically Endangered -CR Highly Threatened -HT Source: Kumarathilake et al, 2010 percent endemic have been recorded from the KDN and adjacent forests.

Table 2 : The extent of the forest in KDN complex
Source: KDN forest complex -conservation management plan, 1995