Coast Conservation Dept. in search of suitable plant species

by Florence Wickramage

The Coast Conservation Department in keeping with the concept of establishing a Green Belt has commenced research into finding suitable species of plants which would be conducive to the salty conditions of the coastal areas as well as withstand onslaughts from possible tsunami waves.

Whilst identifying plants which would prevent coastal erosion attention has been focused on increasing plant species which had successfully withstood the recent tsunami attack. Plant species already identified as suitable include pandanus, mangroves and locally known mudilla and kottamba.

The Coast Conservation Department hopes to enlist the support of students and teachers of schools along the coastline to identify plant species.

A spokesman for the Department said that several non-governmental organisations have pledged financial support for the project. The Central Environmental Authority has already initiated work on establishing the Green Belt on selected areas along the coastline with the assistance of the Coast Conservation Department.

The necessity of a Green Belt along the coastline is considered important to prevent further coastal erosions and threats from tidal waves since coastal areas which had thick mangroves and other terrestrial plants had not been damaged during the December 26th tsunami tidal waves.