Representatives of nature conservation and ecotourism in different biomes of Sri Lanka

4 figures and 7 tables Breuste, J.; Jayathunga, S.: Representatives of nature conservation and ecotourism in different bi-omes of Sri Lanka. – Hercynia N. F. 43 (2010): 257–276. Tourism in nature-based destinations is prominent in many countries where mass tourism takes place. The study focuses on the representatives of nature conservation and ecotourism in all biomes of Sri Lanka. It aims at the investigation of nature conservation strategies adopted and of which ecosystems are highly utilised for tourism. Simultaneously, the representation and interaction between biomes, nature conservation strategies and ecotourism are evaluated in order to identify the influence and effectiveness of each other. Digital maps show the defined biomes in the different bioregions. The bioregions are demarcated in accordance with geographical, climatical and biological features and characters. Major biomes identified in the country are forest, wetland, coastal and marine biomes. The management ca-tegories of nature conservation, namely strict nature reserves, nature reserves, national parks, marine reserves, sanctuaries, natural forests and wetlands are evaluated in accordance with their objectives, efficiency and effectiveness. Activities of nature-based tourism take place in different biomes like jee