Project 001.3 (completed)
Rebuilding a mangrove nursery destroyed in the Boxing Day tsunami
What did my donation go towards?
Rebuilding a mangrove nursery destroyed in the Boxing Day tsunami. The mangrove nursery was constructed to support ongoing reforestation efforts of Pottuvil lagoon in Ampara province on the east coast of Sri Lanka.
Why did all the mangroves disappear?
The mangroves in Pottuvil lagoon were progressively removed through firewood and building material collection, as well as through military conflict during the 1980s and 1990s. Replanting commenced in early 2000 as peace began to take hold throughout the eastern provinces of Sri Lanka but was then halted by the tsunami which destroyed nursery infrastructure.
Why should mangroves be replanted?
Mangroves are essential to the recycling of nutrients into lagoon systems. These nutrients support algal growth, and fish and crustacean species which provide the primary income for many local fishing families.
Who did 001 partner with?
001 worked with Sewalanka Foundation, a Sri Lankan development non-government organisation established in 1993.
Sewalanka aims to enhance the capacity of rural communities to democratically identify and address their own development needs and to provide services that contribute to economically viable, socially just and ecologically sustainable development of Sri Lanka.
Sewalanka has vast local experience in building infrastructure such as schools, roads, wells and toilets, managing micro-finance programs, supporting local sustainable agriculture and fisheries, education programmes and peace development.
Sewalanka Foundation is registered under the Sri Lankan Charities Registration Act, Registration Number L16806.
Who is managing and operating the nursery?
Sewalanka coordinated this project with the local Fishing Cooperative Society in Thirukovil. A member of the Fishing Cooperative was employed as a nursery manager and was provided with training in mangrove reestablishment. Members of the Cooperative were involved in design of the lagoon replanting program and ongoing management of the nursery.
Will the nursery be financially viable?
Yes, the nursery will offer seedlings to other mangrove reforestation programmes being conducted by Sewalanka Foundation in other coastal lagoons and by the Asian Development Bank’s North East Coast Community Development Project.
What was 001’s financial support?
001 contributed AU$1,500 to support the construction of the nursery and employment of a nursery manager.
Who is evaluating the project?
Sewalanka Foundation provided a final report to 001 outlining the full acquittal of project funds. Sewalanka reported that mangrove seedlings were being planted into tubes and tended in the newly completed nursery building ready for replanting to the Pottuvil lagoon.