Dilmah Conservation’s One Earth Urban Arboretum shows the way to a sustainable future with the knowledge and practice of our ancestors

Sri Lanka has a rich agricultural history dating back more than 2500 years. For centuries, paddy cultivation in the island nation was not just an economic activity but a way of life that shaped the society, culture, religion and economy. The sustainable and organic agricultural practices of both the near past and the ancient people of Sri Lanka, exemplify the interconnectedness of nature and human life. Furthermore, it demonstrates our ability to survive and thrive harmoniously alongside nature. Through the establishment of a resource center, model paddy field, as well as a model irrigation tank, Dilmah Conservation's One Earth Arboretum demonstrates traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka and the deep connection it shares with nature. It illustrates how we can utilize the knowledge and practice of our ancestors to make our future and our present more sustainable. This page gives detailed information on the agricultural practices of traditional farmers, as well as the ancient, complex agricultural systems that are still in use today.