Field Trip – Belipola Analog Forest | Nyeleni Global Forum 2025

Belipola Analog Forest, which was born as a result of a campaign against foreign pine and eucalyptus plantations thirty-five years ago with the aim of demonstrating local technology against foreign alien technology, has emerged as a successful forestry system that is restoring degraded lands in 23 countries around the world. 43 delegates who participated in the third Nyeleni Global Forum joined a special field visit on 12.09.2025 to observe Belipola Analog Foresty, the birthplace of this concept.

During this visit, the delegates had the opportunity to learn on importance of questioning the suitability of foreign experts and their technology for local conditions and to gain valuable experience in developing practical alternatives.

The delegates also had the opportunity to enjoy an organic meal in the analog forest. They witnessed the transformation of a land that has been a barren grassland due to unsuccessful tea cultivation 35 years ago which now restored in to a biodiverse rich income-generating analog forest.

As part of this visit, the delegates also had the opportunity to observe the “Mihimadala Farm”, which offers organic products to the market.