Mangroves play a vital role in protecting both the environment and local livelihoods. In Nayaru Lagoon in Sri Lanka’s Mullaitivu District, they act as natural buffers against storms, reduce coastal erosion, and provide breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic species. However, years of conflict and environmental degradation has weakened these life-sustaining ecosystems, exposing the area to climate risks while negatively impacting the livelihoods of fishing communities.

UN-Habitat Sri Lanka in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Mullaitivu District Secretariat and community-based organizations, is now restoring two hectares of mangrove cover within the Nayaru Lagoon. This initiative is part of the larger project “Build Resilience to Climate Change and Climate Variability of Vulnerable Communities in Mullaitivu District, Sri Lanka” funded by the Adaptation Fund.

Commencing in December 2025, five community managed mangrove nurseries were established, and 50,000 mangrove saplings will be planted over 16 months. The restoration programme adopts a science-based, site-specific approach. Selection of mangrove species is guided by scientific assessments of salinity and soil conditions.

Discussing the restoration programme, Miss. Kanagasuntharam Juvaransini, Development Officer of the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resource Management, Mullaitivu, said: “Restoring mangroves will help our district adapt to climate change impacts while ensuring food security for local fishing communities.”

Together with UN-Habitat, other key project partners in this initiative include the Mullaitivu District Secretariat, Forest Department, Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management and local Community Based Organizations (CBOs). Women are playing a significant role – with over 11 women engaged in the mangrove nursery and restoration activities.

While technical experts provide guidance on nursery establishment, species selection, and planting techniques, 20 community members manage the daily tasks. They monitor sapling growth, protect young plants from cattle grazing and other disturbances, and replant saplings when they reach the required height. This hands-on participatory approach builds local capacity and ensures sustainability.

Mrs. Chandrabala Selvi, Member of the Nayaru Fishermen’s Society, Chemmalai East Grama Niladhari Division, stated: “Our involvement in the mangrove nursery programme allows us to protect our lagoon while building sustainable livelihoods. Every sapling we plant strengthens both our community and our environment.”

The project “Build Resilience to Climate Change and Climate Variability of Vulnerable Communities in Mullaitivu District, Sri Lanka”, funded through a USD 2 million grant from the Adaptation Fund, is implemented from 2023 to 2027. By promoting climate-resilient livelihoods and enhancing adaptive capacity, the project supports communities in Mullaitivu district in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, to better cope with climate impacts and reduce long-term vulnerability.