• A look at the threat posed by the proposed wind farm

In the ancient annals of Sri Lanka’s history, Mannar emerges as a storied city, a maritime crossroads nestled along the fabled Silk Road of the sea. Here, where the trade winds once whispered tales of distant lands, Mannar now stands as a sanctuary for avian travellers, a vital hub along the Central Asian Flyway.

Inside Mannar’s wetlands, a symphony of life unfolds with each passing season. Central to this ecosystem are the migratory birds whose annual pilgrimage spans continents, binding distant shores in a timeless tapestry of interconnectedness. Mannar’s role as a Critical Wintering Site of the Central Asian Flyway emerges as a beacon of hope for these avian nomads, offering respite and refuge amidst the tumult of their journey.

The Central Asian Flyway – Sri Lanka Waterbird Tracking Project, spearheaded by the University of Colombo, unveils the intricate dance of migration that unfolds within Mannar’s borders. Through the lens of satellite telemetry, the project illuminates the pathways traversed by tagged birds, tracing their journey from the azure depths of the Indian Ocean to the distant horizons of Europe and beyond. The revelation of movement corridors, both across the Palk Bay and along Mannar’s northern coast, underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems that transcend geopolitical boundaries.

Yet, amidst the majesty of migration lies a tale of peril and uncertainty. The proposed 250 MW wind farm – its sprawling expanse stretching across Mannar’s verdant landscapes – threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of nature’s symphony. The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), a flawed testament to bureaucratic oversight, fails to acknowledge the migratory pulse that courses through Mannar’s veins. Critical migratory corridors, essential lifelines for millions of birds, are disregarded in favour of expediency and profit.

In the shadows of progress, a chorus of dissent rises – a clarion call to safeguard Mannar’s ecological legacy for generations yet unborn. The voices of conservationists, scientists, and communities merge in a symphony of resistance, advocating for the preservation of Mannar’s avian heritage.

An avian haven

Prof. Sampath Seneviratne, of the Colombo University’s Zoology and Environment Sciences Department, and environment conservationist and researcher Supun Lahiru Prakash are acting as custodians of Mannar’s ecological legacy, illuminating the profound significance of this coastal haven. “Mannar is amongst the four richest migratory bird regions in Sri Lanka,” Prof. Seneviratne affirmed, emphasising its pivotal role as a haven for wintering waterbirds. It shelters a staggering array of species, a living tapestry woven from the wings of a million migratory birds representing 150 different avian emissaries.

This ancient land, cradled by the cerulean embrace of the Indian Ocean, resonates with the symphony of wingbeats. “Mannar is considered a Critical Wintering Site of the Central Asian Flyway,” Prof. Seneviratne stated, underscoring its global importance in the pantheon of avian migration. Wetlands International and Birdlife International have heralded Mannar as a bastion of biodiversity, a testament to its designation as a wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.

The heartbeat of Mannar’s ecosystem reverberates through the telemetry of tagged birds, ambassadors of a transcontinental journey that spans nine countries across Asia and Europe. “Waterbirds tagged in Mannar have travelled to nine countries,” Supun Lahiru Prakash revealed, unlocking the secrets of avian connectivity that transcend borders and boundaries.

Winds of trouble

Yet, amidst the verdant embrace of Mannar’s wetlands lies a shadow of uncertainty. The spectre of a proposed 250 MW wind farm looms large, casting doubt upon the sanctity of Mannar’s avian corridors. “The proposed wind farm can severely affect the movements,” Prof. Seneviratne stated, highlighting the inadequacies of the EIA in safeguarding Mannar’s ecological integrity. 

The discordant harmony of progress threatens to unravel the delicate tapestry of Mannar’s ecosystem. Power lines, like silent sentinels, bear witness to the casualties of human ambition. Greater Flamingos, Brahminy Kites – these avian denizens fall prey to the siren song of progress, their wings clipped by the inexorable march of development.

Guardians of the birds

However, a flicker of hope illuminates Mannar’s horizon. “Guardians of Birds – Mannar,” a clarion call to arms led by the Mannar Bird Club, echoes with the voices of a new generation. Prakash explained: “Led by the Mannar Bird Club, this initiative represents a call to action for people of all ages and backgrounds, including children, women, and local communities, to come together in defence of Mannar’s migratory birds and their habitats. It signifies a shared commitment to conservation efforts aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of Mannar’s wetlands and coastal areas.”

“Birds empower women in Mannar,” Prof. Seneviratne declared, highlighting the transformative power of avian conservation. In the shared embrace of feathered wings, ethnic divides dissolve, giving rise to a chorus of unity amidst diversity. “Avian conservation efforts often involve community engagement and participation, providing opportunities for women to actively contribute to conservation activities such as bird monitoring, habitat restoration, and eco-tourism initiatives,” he explained.

By participating in these activities, women in Mannar not only gain valuable skills and knowledge about avian ecology and conservation but also find empowerment through their involvement in efforts to protect and preserve their natural environment. Additionally, he noted: “The collaborative nature of conservation work fosters a sense of unity and cooperation among women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, transcending cultural and social divides.”

Safeguarding nature

As the sun sets on Mannar’s coastal vista, a poignant truth emerges; in the delicate dance of nature, every wingbeat is a testament to resilience, every feather a brush stroke upon the canvas of eternity. In Mannar’s skies, the guardians of the sky soar, their silent vigil a beacon of hope in a world besieged by uncertainty.

Many environmental advocates have taken a stand as sentinels of a timeless covenant—a pledge to safeguard the sanctity of nature’s symphony. Their tireless advocacy, rooted in a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all living beings, resonates with the echoes of generations past. In their unwavering commitment to conservation, they embody the spirit of stewardship that defines Mannar’s ethos.

Yet, the path forward remains veiled in uncertainty, shrouded by the spectre of industrial progress and economic expediency. The proposed wind farm, a testament to humanity’s insatiable hunger for energy, casts a long shadow over Mannar’s fragile ecosystem. In the balance between progress and preservation, the fate of Mannar hangs in the balance – a delicate equilibrium poised on the precipice of irrevocable change.

As the winds of change sweep across Mannar’s shores, the guardians of the sky stand vigilant, their wings poised to weather the storm and safeguard the legacy of generations yet to come.