Mangrove forests are coastal ecosystems with unique biodiversity that are extremely important to our socio-economic development. The mangrove ecosystem plays a key role by providing the link between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This link stabilizes not only mangrove habitats, but also other associated blue carbon ecosystems such as seagrass beds and coral reefs.
Despite all the benefits of mangroves, various factors including climate change and human activities are threatening this unique ecosystem. In Puttalam district there are many areas with mangrove ecosystems, however, they are under severe threat due to various activities, so there is a need to create awareness about the restoration, conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.
Accordingly, Biodiversity Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment conducted a training workshop on blue carbon ecosystems for the officials of relevant stakeholders in the Puttalam district at Anawilundawa Peacock Village Hotel in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) on 27th May 2024. Furthermore, on 28th May 2024, a field study was also conducted in connection with the Anavilundawa mangrove restoration site.
This programme was inaugurated by Ms. Kumudini Vidyalankara, Director (Biodiversity Secretariat), Mr. Manjula Amararatne, Director( Protected area management)/DWC, Mr. Graham Marshall, Vice President/WNPS Chair-Marine Subcommittee also the technical support for this training workshop provided by Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody Dr. Jagath Gunawrdana. Dr. Manoj Prasanna, Dr. Malik Fernando, Mr. Susantha Udagedara Mr. W. Sumanadasa, Mr. Dulan Vidanapathirana. Mr. Dushan Jauaweera/DWC
