(2023-2024) Establishing a Data-Driven Analytical Framework to Investigate the Nexus Between Biodiversity, Water Quality and Human Health in a Sub River Basin in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. [SDG6, SDG3, ADG10, SDG11, SDG15, SDG17] – Funded by BioBridge
This pivotal research project zeroes in on the Lower Kanadara Oya sub-river basin in Anuradhapura, within the Malwathu Oya Basin. By examining the intricate links between land use, socio-economic factors, water quality, and biodiversity, this study aims to shed light on the vital interconnections sustaining the region’s ecosystem. The collaborative effort involves prestigious institutions including the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo, the Faculty of Science at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, and international partners like the STEM Cluster at the University of Western Sydney, Australia, alongside key Sri Lankan government departments dedicated to biodiversity and natural resource management.
Aligning with Sri Lanka’s National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) and Sustainable Development Goals (2016-2022): [SDG15, SDG6, SDG3]
This BioBridge-funded project supports key initiatives such as the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project and Wari Saubhagya, focusing on enhancing rural irrigation and water supply systems in Anuradhapura. It addresses the crucial gap in holistic ecosystem understanding, integrating data to explore the dynamic relationship between ecosystem health, land use, water quality, and human health.
Spearheading Activity 4, our team, led by myself with research assistants Chameera and Prathayne, currently creating a comprehensive data integration, visualization, and analysis framework. Employing advanced data mining and machine learning techniques, we strive to enable predictive analytics for strategic decision-making, promoting effective ecosystem management practices improving water quality, human and plant health.
Our multidisciplinary methodology complements ongoing conservation and sustainable resource utilization efforts, ensuring our findings have broad applicability beyond specific project sites, potentially influencing national strategies and fostering regional collaborations. This project not only aligns with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also promises to enhance conservation efforts, contributing to a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s dry zone and beyond.
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