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Sustainability of Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka: Exploring Cascade Anatomy and Socio-Ecological Nexus for Ecological Restoration Planning

Author

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  • Sujith S. Ratnayake

    (Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
    Ministry of Environment, Battaramulla 10120, Sri Lanka)

  • Lalit Kumar

    (East Coast Geospatial Consultants, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia)

  • Punchi B. Dharmasena

    (Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka)

  • Harsha K. Kadupitiya

    (Natural Resources Management Centre, Department of Agriculture, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka)

  • Champika S. Kariyawasam

    (Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
    Ministry of Environment, Battaramulla 10120, Sri Lanka)

  • Danny Hunter

    (Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Via di San Domenico, 1, 00153 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Village Tank Cascade Systems (VTCSs) in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka have evolved as sustainable ecosystems through human interventions to ensure water availability and other services for people and their environs during the last few millennia. However, VTCSs are vulnerable to global environmental changes resulting in continual deterioration of ecological health and hydro-socio-ecological status, crucial for the food and livelihood security of rural farming communities in the dry zone. This paper seeks to explore resource systems of the Mahakanumulla VTCS located in Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka to (i) identify the spatial metrics linked to the sustainability and socio-ecological resilience of the VTCS, and (ii) determine interactions among system elements and their impacts on productivity and restoration challenges. The spatial analysis was conducted using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), recent digital topographic map layers and Google Earth images to understand the spatial distribution and ensemble of tank environs. Participatory field assessment data were also used to determine socio-ecological nexus and factors that contribute to the reduction of ecological productivity of VTCS. The study revealed that the ensemble of tank environs is significant for providing regulatory and supporting ecosystem services (ES) and synergistic relationships with provisional ES of the VTCS. Results also revealed that the complex land-water-biodiversity-climate and food nexus that determines the productivity of the VTCS could be adopted in VTCS ecological restoration planning. The study presents a comprehensive framework to analyse causal factors and processes leading to reduction of overall productivity linked with variables of socio-ecological properties, vulnerability and resilience of the VTCS landscape.

Suggested Citation

  • Sujith S. Ratnayake & Lalit Kumar & Punchi B. Dharmasena & Harsha K. Kadupitiya & Champika S. Kariyawasam & Danny Hunter, 2021. "Sustainability of Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka: Exploring Cascade Anatomy and Socio-Ecological Nexus for Ecological Restoration Planning," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-23, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:12:y:2021:i:2:p:24-:d:640893
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sujith S. Ratnayake & Michael Reid & Nicolette Larder & Harsha K. Kadupitiya & Danny Hunter & Punchi B. Dharmasena & Lalit Kumar & Benjamin Kogo & Keminda Herath & Champika S. Kariyawasam, 2023. "Impact of Climate Change on Paddy Farming in the Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-30, June.
    2. Kanthilanka, H. & Ramilan, T. & Farquharson, R.J. & Weerahewa, J., 2023. "Optimal nitrogen fertilizer decisions for rice farming in a cascaded tank system in Sri Lanka: An analysis using an integrated crop, hydro-nutrient and economic model," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    3. Sirimanna, S. & Kahathuduwa, K.K.P.N. & Prasada, D.V.P., 2022. "Are cascade reservoir systems sustainable agroecosystems? A comparative assessment of efficiency, effectiveness and resource footprint in a Sri Lankan micro-cascade," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    4. Sujith S. Ratnayake & Azeem Khan & Michael Reid & Punchi B. Dharmasena & Danny Hunter & Lalit Kumar & Keminda Herath & Benjamin Kogo & Harsha K. Kadupitiya & Thilantha Dammalage & Champika S. Kariyawa, 2022. "Land Use-Based Participatory Assessment of Ecosystem Services for Ecological Restoration in Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-21, August.
    5. Wickramasinghe, M.R.C.P. & Dayawansa, N.D.K. & Jayasiri, M.M.J.G.C.N. & De Silva, Ranjith Premalal, 2023. "A study on external pressures of an ancient irrigation cascade system in Sri Lanka," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    6. Weerahewa, Jeevika & Timsina, Jagadish & Wickramasinghe, Chamali & Mimasha, Sithuni & Dayananda, Dasuni & Puspakumara, Gamini, 2023. "Ancient irrigation systems in Asia and Africa: Typologies, degradation and ecosystem services," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).

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