Bush fires of central highlands of Sri Lanka: What is the triple bottom line?

Abstract

Bushfires, a type of wildfire, are becoming frequent events worldwide making their effective management a priority. The past years it has been observed that bushfires in the central highlands of Sri Lanka occur in higher frequencies and their impact is detrimental to communities. Bushfires in these areas are inevitable due to consequences of climate and weather patterns and flammable vegetation (Pine and Eucalyptus) introduced during re-forestation programs. Increased bushfires hazards are due to natural causes, such as lightings, or people either intentionally or unintentionally for example villagers setting fires to Savannas expecting fresh grass for cattle herds and clearing forests for slash
and burning agriculture. Other reasons include hunters setting fires, usually in forest reserves, or campers and holidays makers ignoring windy season, along with dry weather when setting campfires and lighting cigarettes. The research locations, Haldummulla Divisional Secretariat Division (DS Division) of Badulla district and Imbulpe DS division of Rathnapura district were purposively selected based on the highest recorded bushfire incidents in recent years while these locations serve as important catchment areas and forest reserves. The scourge of bushfires in the central highlands of Sri Lanka is less attended reality causing irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Therefore, this current study aimed to investigate the context of sustainability concerning the triple bottom line (TBL) of social, economic, and environmental performance for utilities. Special emphasis was placed on community vulnerability, preparedness, and adaptation. A mixed methods approach was instrumental in data collection from 5 Grama Niladhari Divisions (GN Divisions) from each district. Participatory approaches including a transect walk, field observations, in-depth interviews with key informants and focus group discussions were used as primary data collection tools. Communities, houses, and farmlands within the high-risk areas are highly vulnerable to bushfire incidents annually. Community level adaptation strategies are limited and resilient building mechanisms, especially early warning systems are not in place.