Governance - Species Conservation Centre

Our Work

Environmental Governance

Policy, planning, and institutional frameworks for conservation

Effective conservation requires more than good intentions—it demands robust institutions, clear policies, transparent decision-making, and coordinated action across sectors. Environmental governance forms the foundation upon which all conservation efforts are built. The Species Conservation Centre works to strengthen conservation governance in Sri Lanka through policy advocacy, institutional capacity building, and collaborative multi-stakeholder processes.

Our governance work focuses on promoting inclusive, evidence-based environmental policy; strengthening the capacity of institutions responsible for conservation; improving coordination between government agencies, communities, and civil society; and ensuring transparent and accountable management of natural resources. We contribute technical expertise to policy development processes and support implementation of conservation-relevant legislation and regulations.

We recognize that conservation governance is most effective when it is inclusive of diverse stakeholders—government, communities, indigenous peoples, private sector, and civil society. Through collaborative engagement and knowledge sharing, we work to build shared understanding of conservation challenges and foster collective commitment to governance frameworks that protect biodiversity while supporting equitable sustainable development.

Ongoing Project

Wildlife Roadkill Mitigation

Safe Roads, Wild Lives — protecting Sri Lanka's wildlife on our roads

Sri Lanka's expanding road network increasingly intersects with forests, national parks, and wildlife corridors, placing animals at serious risk of vehicle collisions. Wildlife roadkill is now recognised as a significant threat to biodiversity, affecting mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds across the island.

The SCC leads the Wildlife Roadkill Mitigation through Road Signage project — a practical, cost-effective initiative that identifies high-risk crossing points and installs standardised wildlife warning signs to alert drivers and reduce road mortality.

More Information

Key Priorities

Focus Areas

Strengthening conservation institutions and processes

Policy Development

Supporting evidence-based conservation policy and environmental legislation to create enabling conditions for biodiversity protection.

Institutional Capacity

Strengthening the capacity of conservation institutions to plan, implement, and monitor effectively for long-term impact.

Multi-Stakeholder Coordination

Facilitating collaboration and coordination across government, communities, and civil society for inclusive conservation outcomes.