Sustainability Assessment of Park Studies in Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Review

This study examines the alignment of park studies in Sri Lanka with the principles of sustainability. Parks play a vital role in promoting environmental conservation, socio-economic development, and community well-being. However, it is crucial to assess whether these park studies effectively incorporate sustainable practices and contribute to long-term sustainability. Using a case study approach, 49 park studies conducted in Sri Lanka were analyzed, focusing on topics, findings, and suggestions presented in these studies. The analysis revealed that while the studies covered various perspectives such as ecotourism development, socio-economic impacts, park management, and urban park studies, there was a lack of emphasis on addressing the four basic needs of parks and designing them accordingly. Furthermore, the logical relationship between the findings and the concept of sustainability was unclear, indicating a gap in understanding and implementation. The suggestions provided by researchers mostly aimed at promoting tourism and improving visitor experiences, but their contribution to sustainability was questionable. The study concludes that the current alignment of park studies in Sri Lanka falls short of achieving sustainability objectives. It highlights the need for a clearer vision and scientific definition of sustainability in park studies and proposes further research to identify essential components for designing sustainable parks. This study serves as a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to prioritize sustainability in park planning and management for the betterment of Sri Lanka's natural and cultural heritage.