Protecting mangrove ecosystems is a critical component of marine and coastal conservation. In the late 1990s, over 50% of Sri Lanka’s mangrove cover was lost due to the rapid expansion of prawn aquaculture, severely disrupting coastal ecological functions. Today, mangrove cover is estimated at just 15,000–19,000 hectares, less than 0.3% of the island’s total landmass, leaving Sri Lanka increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as storm surges and tsunamis.
At Anawilundawa Sanctuary, the most significant ongoing threat remains the encroachment of protected areas for prawn farming, activities that not only degrade critical ecosystems but also undermine the livelihoods of surrounding communities who rely on these ecosystems.
In response, the Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves (ANRM) Project at Anawilundawa Wetlands was launched, where the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) serves as the key science partner to the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).
The project’s objectives are twofold:
The site is already showing encouraging signs of recovery, with both the natural reestablishment of mangrove cover and the return of native fauna previously absent from the area. In recognition of its impact, the project was selected as a UN Global Restoration Flagship.
The Lanka Environment Fund is supporting key aspects of this work, including the provision of multiparameter monitors to assess water quality, ensuring optimal conditions for mangrove growth. In addition, LEF has donated camera traps to support biodiversity monitoring, helping to document the return of wildlife and track ecological recovery. These tools also contribute to infrastructure strengthening and knowledge dissemination across Sri Lanka’s wider mangrove conservation efforts.
