Lead organisation: Seacology
Partners
- Sudeesa
- World Food Programme (WFP)
Seacology has worked to build resilience through its project focused on the conservation of mangroves among vulnerable communities in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka. The region, one of the country’s poorest areas, continues to suffer from the effects of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the long-lasting civil war that ended in 2009. Mangroves are critical to building resilience: combating the effects of global climate change by absorbing up to 50 times more carbon than other types of ecosystems, acting as a natural buffer against the force of storm surges, and acting as critical nursery grounds for fish, enhancing employment opportunities.
View Seacology’s final project poster here.
Key Achievements:
- The Sri Lanka Mangrove project was selected as a recipient of the UN Momentum for Change Award in the Planetary Health category
- 5,543 community members mobilized to protect 3,475 ha mangroves.
- 7,184 people benefit as a result of 3,470 people joining CBOs.
- 1,842 people trained and 519 people receiving microloans.
- The community and job training centre in Mannar has been completed.
- World Wetlands Day conference hosted at Mannar training center (Feb 18).
- Sri Lanka appointed lead in mangrove conservation efforts under the Commonwealth Initiative, which solidifies government commitment.