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The villager unquestionably
acknowledges the need to protect the forest. However, many of them do not
comprehend the need for the strict rules laid down for the protection of
the MAB Reserve, the sudden increase of outsides e.g. researchers and
explorers, into what was their domain. The relationship between the
villager and the accepted authority, the Forest Department is one of
mutual avoidance. There is a need therefore for dialogue to be
established, and the villager's co-operation sought to help preserve the
forest. A start has been made by March for Conservation while has carried
out very successfully a series of educational programmes and other
activities in the Kudawa area. This has even resulted in a village
Conservation Society being formed and is perhaps one of the best omens for
the future involvement of the villager with the Sinharaja. |