Nov

Life Knuckles – Protecting Biodiversity in the Knuckles Mountain range through Fire Belt with Live Hedge and Life Knuckles Mobile App Solution against Forest Fires

Man-made forest fires significantly contribute to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and damaging ecosystems essential for carbon capture. In Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Mountain Range, these fires threaten unique biodiversity, especially amphibians sensitive to rising temperatures. This project introduces a sustainable “Fire Belt” solution, using Agave plant hedges to naturally slow fire spread and protect vital habitats. Additionally, the Life Knuckles Mobile App provides real-time monitoring and promotes community awareness, enabling rapid responses to fire threats. The university society Eco Pulse Pera, in collaboration with the Forest Department, oversees the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the fire belt and app to ensure long-term project success. Ultimately, this initiative aims to safeguard biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts in the Knuckles region.

The “Life Knuckles” awareness campaign has successfully educated over 400 participants from universities, schools, and diverse communities through its ongoing webinar series. So far, five webinars have been conducted, and due to increasing demand, more are planned. The campaign’s magazine has received contributions from various communities, spreading knowledge about forest fires, prevention strategies, and climate change mitigation. During field visits to the Knuckles region, we identified various plant and animal species while gaining insights into forest fires and their impact. Seminars led by respected Sri Lankan environmentalists have also deepened participants’ understanding. Furthermore, we’ve introduced sessions on implementing fire belts and adapting them to different environments, promoting positive environmental practices across regions. A major achievement was the establishment of a fire belt in the Rajawaththa Pinus Forest, Mada Dumbara, where we encountered and fought an active forest fire. Since creating the fire belt, no fires have occurred in the area over the past two months, showcasing the campaign’s effectiveness. The “Life Knuckles” app has also gained support from the Forest Department, which is contributing to its further development. The app enhances early wildfire detection and coordinated response efforts, contributing to biodiversity protection and fostering a sustainable approach to combating climate change.

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