Under the leadership of Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi, the government has formally declared eight mangrove forest systems in the Puttalam District as new reserves, with the gazette signed yesterday (27) at the Ministry of Environment.

The move forms part of the national program “Give Space for Mangroves to Breathe”, implemented in line with the government’s environmental policy “A Sustainable Biosphere – Evergreen Life.” 

Coinciding with International Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation Day on July 26, the declaration marks another significant step under the broader “Vanaspathi” program.

The newly protected mangrove forests, Thilliyadiya, Sammattawadiya, Muthalapali, Kudawa, Kumbutu Kuliyawa, Karambe, Kandakuliya, and Mandala Kudawa, cover a total of 176.67 hectares.

Officials state the initiative aims to raise public awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems, while promoting their sustainable management, conservation, and responsible use.

In 2025, several mangrove forests in the Puttalam and Chilaw range offices were also declared reserves under the same program, bringing about 67 hectares under protection.

Sri Lanka currently has approximately 12,500 hectares of mangrove land, the largest extent concentrated in lagoon and estuary areas of the Puttalam District. Research has identified 11 species of mangroves recorded across the island. (Newswire)

The post Eight mangrove forests in Puttalam declared new reserves appeared first on Newswire.

Communities in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province are spearheading mangrove restoration in Nayaru Lagoon, Mullaitivu District, under a climate resilience project funded by the Adaptation Fund. 

The initiative, implemented by UN‑Habitat with the Ministry of Environment and the Mullaitivu District Secretariat, has already planted 24,000 saplings, achieving nearly half of the target of 50,000.

The programme places communities at the centre of restoration. Local members manage nurseries and daily planting, while experts provide training on nursery management, species selection, and planting techniques. Mangrove species are chosen based on salinity, tidal conditions, and soil characteristics, ensuring a science‑based approach.

Officials including District Secretary A. Umamaheswaran and Climate Change Secretariat Director Leel Randeni joined UN‑Habitat representatives and community members during a recent field visit to monitor progress and plant saplings along the lagoon.

Key aspects of the initiative include:

• Community ownership: Local residents manage nurseries and safeguard mangroves.
• Science‑based restoration: Species selected to match local environmental conditions.
• Climate resilience: Mangroves provide coastal protection against floods and storms.
• Economic benefits: Restoration expected to boost fisheries, eco‑tourism, and nature‑based enterprises.
• Skills development: Communities gain practical knowledge in nursery management and restoration.

Marking the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems on July 26, officials emphasized that this model can be replicated in other coastal districts to strengthen resilience and protect ecosystems.

Supported by a USD 2 million Adaptation Fund grant, the broader project “Build resilience to climate change and climate variability of vulnerable communities in Mullaitivu District of Sri Lanka” also focuses on ecosystem restoration, climate‑resilient infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, and livelihood development. (Newswire)

The post Communities drive mangrove restoration in Mullaitivu to boost climate resilience appeared first on Newswire.