Eight mangrove ecosystems in Puttalam declared as new reserves

Eight mangrove forests in the Puttalam district will be declared as new reserves in line with the national programme to protect the country's forest system for future generations. The Ministry of Environment took steps to execute the declarations.

Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi is scheduled to sign the relevant gazette notifications during the national ceremony held at the Ministry of Environment on July 27, coinciding with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem falling on July 26.

The eight newly reserved mangrove systems comprise the 13.06 hectare Thilliyadiya Mangrove Reserve in Kalpitiya, the 10.91 hectare Sammattawadiya Mangrove Reserve in Kalpitiya which is a highly sensitive zone rich in biodiversity and carbon sequestration. And the 22.74 hectare Muthalappali Mangrove Reserve in Kalpitiya, the 4.43 hectare Kudawa Mangrove Reserve in Kalpitiya will be officially declared as reserves.

The list also includes the 4.47 hectare Kumbutu Kuliyawa Mangrove Reserve in Arachchikattuwa, the 76.82 hectare Karambae Mangrove Reserve across Kalpitiya and Mundalama, the 17.47 hectare Kandakuliya Mangrove Reserve in Kalpitiya, and the 12.82 hectare Mandala Kudawa Mangrove Reserve in Kalpitiya.

Sri Lanka's total mangrove land area covers around 12,500 hectares, with the majority spread across estuaries and lagoons in the Puttalam District.

According to research, around 11 mangrove plant species are recorded in the country. Considering the ecological, economic, and social importance of mangrove ecosystems, the 2015 UNESCO conference declared July 26 as the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.