Young scientists tackle coast conservation in Hikkaduwa
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Pic by Dr Asanka Pallewatta
Marine habitat destruction and pollution has become a serious threat to Sri Lanka’s coastal biodiversity. It has also affected people who’s lives depend on the ocean.
A ‘Coastal Eco-system Conservation Awareness Programme’ was organised by the Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS) as a community outreach programme for 2019. It was held on December 14 at the Citrus Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel.
The current SLAYS President, Dr. Chamindri Witharana, said this programme was held to strengthen the local knowledge base and advisory services among the Hikkaduwa’s key stakeholders. Many people representing different layers of the community participated in the event.
Ocean University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Nalin Rathnayake, the National Aquatic Resource Research and Development Agency’s (NARA) Environmental Studies Division Head Mrs. K.A.W. Shymali Weerasekara and Galle District Forest Officer Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Wasantha Liyanage were the resource persons for the programme.
Prof Nalin’s lecture covered the physical and human attributes of the coastal system. He spoke about the Scientific factors of the coastal system, wave dynamics, safeguarding measures at sea, marine resource management, coral replantation techniques, coastal pollution and the reduction of illegal activities conducted in the coastal environment.
The lecture made aware the issues that our country’s coastal eco-system is currently facing, and the need for people to be more concerned about these issues.
A discussion which allowed the participants to interact followed the lecture. Several measures were discussed including: the better enforcement of legal frameworks, more publicity through media and social media platforms and more formal education and awareness programmes.
These measures require action by all those who are concerned with the preservation of the coastal eco-system.
The event ended on a positive note. Much was discussed about the protection of the valuable eco-systems of Sri Lanka. Many opportunities were presented to the participants to be more aware of the issues faced by the coastal eco-system and create new knowledge on coastal eco-system conservation.
- Ramalka Kasige