Blue Carbon in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s coastline is undergoing a transformation as a dedicated group of conservationists and local communities work tirelessly to restore its mangrove forests. The Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Program (TCP) has taken the lead on ground with us on a project that spans 12 coastal districts, and has achieved the ambitious goal of restoring 3000 hectares of degraded coastal lands and lagoons. At the heart of this initiative lies a deep commitment to community engagement and livelihoods. Additionally, this mangrove planting program serves as an important adaptation action for this island nation that has been battered with storms and tsunamis in the past.
Sri Lanka
Project Location: Jaffna, Mulativu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Amapara, Hambantota, Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Gampaha, Puttlam, and Mannar; Sri Lanka
Methodology: Afforestation & Reforestation of Degraded Mangrove Habitats
Standard: Verified Carbon Standard
Current Plantation: 1,031.16 HA
Future Expansion: 3,000 HA
Our mangrove forestry project is more than just environmental restoration; it’s a dual enabler of socio-economic development as well as disaster
resilience .By equipping rural women, youth, and fishermen with skills like tailoring, batik, sustainable fishing, and coconut weaving, we are trying to create long term livelihoods, while the large-scale mangrove planting program also serves as a protective wall against cyclones.
With a commitment to supporting coastal communities through sustainable livelihoods,our initiatives not only provide income-generating opportunities but also actively engage and employ local residents. By developing their skills in traditional crafts, promoting eco-tourism, supporting sustainable fisheries, and exploring renewable energy solutions, we are helping coastal communities become self-sufficient and contribute to a more sustainable future.
By sequestering carbon dioxide and mitigating coastal erosion, these restored mangrove forests play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience. Additionally, the project’s focus on sustainable livelihoods and community engagement is fostering adaptive capacity, enabling local communities to cope with the challenges of climate change.
Mangroves serve as nurseries for a wide range of marine species, providing critical habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other aquatic organisms. By restoring degraded mangrove forests, we’re creating and preserving essential breeding grounds and feeding areas for marine life. Additionally, the project’s focus on sustainable fisheries management and reducing pollution helps to protect marine ecosystems from harmful human activities. Through these efforts, we are working to ensure the health and vitality of our oceans and the diverse marine life they support.
Mangroves provide a unique interface between land and sea, supporting a diverse array of terrestrial species. By restoring degraded mangrove forests, we’re creating and preserving habitat for a variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects. Additionally, the project’s focus on sustainable livelihoods and reducing pollution helps to protect terrestrial ecosystems from harmful human activities. Through these efforts, we’re working to ensure the health and vitality of our planet’s diverse terrestrial ecosystems.
The project is the first demonstration of blue carbon in the country. Hence this serves as a template for future project deployments in the country. Additionally, the program works with universities and leading marine scientists of the region to enhance and archive local knowledge and data on mangroves and blue carbon in general. So this unique blend of community bodies, academia, federations, regional and federal ministries makes this project a pioneering initiative to cultivate collaboration and partnerships.
With a commitment to supporting coastal communities through sustainable livelihoods,our initiatives not only provide income-generating opportunities but also actively engage and employ local residents. By developing their skills in traditional crafts, promoting eco-tourism, supporting sustainable fisheries, and exploring renewable energy solutions, we’re helping coastal communities become self-sufficient and contribute to a more sustainable future.
By sequestering carbon dioxide and mitigating coastal erosion, these restored mangrove forests play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience. Additionally, the project’s focus on sustainable livelihoods and community engagement is fostering adaptive capacity, enabling local communities to cope with the challenges of climate change.
Mangroves provide a unique interface between land and sea, supporting a diverse array of terrestrial species. By restoring degraded mangrove forests, we’re creating and preserving habitat for a variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects. Additionally, the project’s focus on sustainable livelihoods and reducing pollution helps to protect terrestrial ecosystems from harmful human activities. Through these efforts, we’re working to ensure the health and vitality of our planet’s diverse terrestrial ecosystems.
Mangroves provide a unique interface between land and sea, supporting a diverse array of terrestrial species. By restoring degraded mangrove forests, we’re creating and preserving habitat for a variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects. Additionally, the project’s focus on sustainable livelihoods and reducing pollution helps to protect terrestrial ecosystems from harmful human activities. Through these efforts, we’re working to ensure the health and vitality of our planet’s diverse terrestrial ecosystems.
The project is the first demonstration of blue carbon in the country. Hence this serves as a template for future project deployments in the country. Additionally, the program works with universities and leading marine scientists of the region to enhance and archive local knowledge and data on mangroves and blue carbon in general. So this unique blend of community bodies, academia, federations, regional and federal ministries makes this project a pioneering initiative to cultivate collaboration and partnerships.
Plantation Group Member
Sri Lanka