Belipola Arboretum

The worlds first Analog Forest to value-set and fractionalize its natural services and biodiversity.

History of Belipola Arboretum

Located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Belipola is the world’s first analog forest and one of the most diverse demonstration landscapes of long-term, multi-layered forest regeneration that is similar to those that existed before the colonial experiments in the region. Developed over four decades since 1982, Belipola provides an ideal pilot site for full ALCI approach of valuation .

Its 7.1-hectare area comprises zones of varying ecological maturity, categorized into:

  • Seral Zone 2: Early regeneration—pioneer species, low canopy height.
  • Seral Zone 3: Mid-stage ecosystems—well-developed understory, mixed tree classes.
  • Seral Stage 4: Mature analog forest systems—complex canopy, high diversity, stable microclimates.

Belipola Valuation Results

Field measurements for each natural service category and biodiversity indices (e.g., vegetation structure, soil profiles, and fauna) were Monitored Recorded and Validated ( MRV’d ) & Value