RFP/CFN/2512/109 Development of Website and E-Ticketing System for Forest Dpt.

Sri Lanka, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, is home to rich ecosystems that support key economic sectors such as agriculture and tourism. However, biodiversity loss driven by unsustainable development and climate change poses serious risks to both livelihoods and long-term ecological health. Sri Lanka faces increasing climate vulnerability and was ranked among the top ten countries most affected by climate-related disasters. Nature-based tourism offers a unique opportunity to address biodiversity and climate challenges in an integrated manner. The National Climate Finance Strategy of Sri Lanka (2025 – 2030) by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoF) provides a framework aimed at facilitating the financing of sustainable development initiatives and building resilience to climate challenges in the country. This Strategy approved by the Cabinet of Ministers has identified “Entrance Fees” as a strategic financing instrument to implement fee schemes in protected areas (PAs), aimed at mobilizing sustainable revenue for conservation, biodiversity and climate resilience actions. Funds are to be reinvested in biodiversity protection and eco-tourism infrastructure.

At present, ticketing and visitor management processes are largely manual, leading to inefficiencies, data gaps, and limited revenue oversight. The modernization of these systems through a digital platform is a key step toward improving operational efficiency, visitor experience, and sustainable revenue generation for conservation efforts.

In aligning with the “Entrance Fees” tool proposed under the National Climate Finance Strategy (2025–2030), this scheme will also promote digital payment systems. Through online and mobile payment platforms for Entrance Fees it is expected to enhance convenience and reduce cash handling risks. This climate finance solution includes the use of QR codes or applications for seamless payments at park entrances.  The development of a public website and a comprehensive digital ticketing and visitor management system will strengthen accountability, enhance monitoring, and streamline visitor services across forest reserves..

This assignment will initially pilot the online ticketing system at the Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve, serving as the first implementation site before scaling across all national parks/destinations and forest reserves managed by the Department of Forest Conservation of Sri lanka.