As the country prepares to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi has called for intensified national efforts to restore and protect Sri Lanka’s dwindling mangrove forests, highlighting their significance in the face of climate change and coastal degradation.

Speaking to journalists, Patabendi said Sri Lanka’s mangroves—though covering just a small fraction of the country’s land mass -played an outsized role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and sustaining biodiversity.

“Although we contribute only 0.03% of global carbon emissions, Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Mangroves act as vital buffers, absorbing wave energy and shielding our coasts during extreme weather events,” the Minister said.

Organised by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), in collaboration with the Forest Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Coast Conservation Department, the event drew participation from stakeholders across government, academia, and civil society.

Patabendi noted that the 2024 theme for World Mangrove Day, “Reviving Coastal Ecosystems through Mangrove Restoration,” was particularly relevant to Sri Lanka, where mangrove cover is under constant threat from urbanisation, illegal harvesting, and unsustainable development.

“We are taking a multi-pronged approach—combining science, policy, and community action—to rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas,” he said. “We are also engaging schools and youth to build a culture of environmental stewardship.”

Sri Lanka is home to approximately 15,670 hectares of mangrove forests. However, these fragile ecosystems continue to shrink due to encroachment and lack of awareness. The Environment Ministry is currently working on updated mapping and restoration initiatives, with particular emphasis on community-based nurseries and the empowerment of women in conservation.

“We must view mangrove restoration not only as an environmental imperative but as a socio-economic opportunity,” Dr. Patabendi said. “Healthy mangroves support fisheries, tourism, and livelihoods.”

The event also showcased school exhibits, coastal conservation tools, and interactive awareness programmes aimed at building public understanding of the importance of mangrove ecosystems.

Patabendi concluded with a call to action: “Let World Mangrove Day be a turning point—where we move from awareness to meaningful action in saving our coasts and securing our future.”

By Ifham Nizam