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Carbon emissions: Green initiative to counter issue

25 Sep 2021

By Uwin Lugoda With the rise in air pollution across the globe, nations are constantly on the search for sustainable deterrents. In aid of this, the Sri Lankan Government recently launched a green initiative to counter the country’s carbon emissions issue. The Government has called for the protection and development of Sri Lanka’s existing mangrove ecosystems in coastal and lagoon areas islandwide, and the initiative, implemented under Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, aims to carry out mangrove sapling replanting programmes across the country. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Urban Development Authority (UDA) Media Spokesperson Prasad Manju stated the initiative is based on the impact of mangroves on the overall environment, including the plant’s ability to positively impact global warming and reduce carbon emissions. He explained that mangroves play a major role in preventing air pollution by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide (Co2) from the atmosphere. Studies done in the US showcased that globally, mangroves prevent the release of around 13 million metric tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, which is the equivalent of removing 344,000 cars from the road each year. Globally, mangroves’ unique ability to absorb large amounts of CO2 has driven its conservation. Biologically, mangrove ecosystems also provide food, protection, breeding, and shelter for species, including their permanent habitat and migratory birds. “Mangroves control global warming, so there is a growing need for more mangroves in order to protect the planet from global warming in the future. Mangrove ecosystems also represent a collection of unique flora and fauna adapted to survive in the intertidal zone, occupying a special place among the various ecosystems located in Sri Lanka,” said Manju. According to statistics of the Forest Department for the year 2010, it was estimated that mangroves have spread over an area of 15,669 hectares within Sri Lanka. Currently, 21 species of true mangroves and many other species of mangrove plants have been identified in the country. Statistics also stated that one-third of the world’s mangrove species are represented in Sri Lanka’s mangrove ecosystems. Manju stated that the Prime Minister has instructed the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to take all possible measures to further develop the existing mangrove environment in the entire country, which is still at 15,669 hectares. According to the instructions, the programme is set to start planting mangroves in several lagoons on the second anniversary of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency. Species on the replanting list include flowering mangroves, mandalas, heen mangroves, and punkanda plants. “Mangroves play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the coastal region. This ecosystem contributes to the survival of other coastal ecosystems by fulfilling environmental services such as supply, regulation, support, and culture,” Manju explained. Located between the land and oceanic boundaries, mangrove ecosystems control the flow of silt and other organic and inorganic effluents that flow through the estuary. Accordingly, mangroves act as a buffer zone between coastal and terrestrial ecosystems and act as a natural filter on both sides. This prevents the direct release of sediments and nutrients into sensitive coastal ecosystems such as seagrass and coral reefs. Manju highlighted that these ecosystems also contribute to the livelihood of the coastal community by providing opportunities for economic fishing and eco-tourism. Fish and other foods derived from mangrove ecosystems play an important role in meeting the food and nutritional needs of these coastal communities. Moreover, mangroves control the impact of tidal waves, hurricanes, tsunamis, and saltwater on freshwater ecosystems and contribute to the protection of associated life and property. The plant also aids in preventing coastal erosion. Manju further stated that several mangrove replanting programmes in areas such as Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Rekawa have been successfully carried out.


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