Navy plants hundreds of mangrove saplings in littoral zones
May 26, 2022A mangrove planting drive by the Sri Lanka Navy in the coastal areas of Mannar and Arugam Bay Lagoon saw navy men planting several hundred mangrove plants on two separate occasions. According to Navy media, 1200 mangrove saplings were planted in the coastal area of Mannar while another 250 mangrove were planted in the Arugam Bay Lagoon recently (20 & 21 May).
Naval personnel from North Central and Southeastern Naval Commands took part in these mangrove planting programmes carried out under the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, it says.
Similarly, mangrove plants were also planted in the coastal areas of the Mandaitivu Island and Ponnalai Lagoon, Jaffna recently (20 May). As an extension of the Mangrove Conservation the Northern Naval Command planted 3800 mangrove saplings in the coastal areas of the Mandaitivu Island and Ponnalai Lagoon, it says.
Mangroves are important components of marine ecosystems. Harmful human activities are the major cause for the degradation of these fragile ecosystems. Sri Lanka Navy has launched its Mangrove Conservation Project as a part of its social responsibility programme and so far the project has seen thousands of mangrove saplings being planted in coastal regions of the country.
