Ecosystem restoration
Ecosystem restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. It involves re-establishing the structure, function, and dynamics of an ecosystem to restore its natural processes and improve biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience. Ecosystem restoration is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and humanity.
To ensure sustainability, the Marine Environment Protection Authority has taken measures to restore coral ecosystems and mangrove ecosystems in the coastal districts of Sri Lanka.
Benefits of Ecosystem Restoration
Protects endangered species and promotes ecological diversity.
Restored ecosystems, such as forests and peatlands, act as carbon sinks, helping to reduce greenhouse gases.
Improves water quality, air purification, soil fertility, and pollination.
Generates jobs in conservation, ecotourism, and sustainable land management.
Minimizes risks from floods, droughts, and landslides.
Global Initiatives Supporting Ecosystem Restoration
A worldwide call to action to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation. It focuses on restoring diverse ecosystems, including forests, farmlands, oceans, and urban areas.
A global initiative aiming to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
A framework committed to restoring ecosystems to achieve global biodiversity targets.
Mangrove Ecosystems
Mangrove ecosystems are unique coastal habitats found in tropical and subtropical regions where saltwater meets land. They are characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones. These ecosystems rank among the most productive and biologically diverse environments on Earth, offering essential ecological, economic, and social benefits.
Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration:
1. Approaches:
Protecting degraded areas to facilitate natural recovery.
Reintroducing native mangrove species to restore vegetation.
Restoring tidal flow and improving water quality to support ecosystem health.
Engaging local communities in restoration activities to promote sustainability.
2. Best Practices for Restoration:
- Use native species to maintain ecological compatibility.
- Assess site-specific conditions, such as salinity, tidal patterns, and soil type.
- Monitor and adapt restoration efforts regularly to ensure long-term success.
The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has initiated mangrove restoration projects across several coastal districts in Sri Lanka, including Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Galle, Matara, Gampaha, Puttalam, and Hambantota.
Coral Restoration
Coral restoration is the process of rebuilding and rehabilitating coral reefs that have been damaged by human activities, climate change, or natural disturbances. Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, protect coastlines, and provide livelihoods for millions of people.
Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, home to a quarter of all marine species. In addition to their role in supporting biodiversity, they provide essential services such as coastal protection, food security, recreation, and livelihoods. These reefs sustain extensive fisheries and tourism industries in tropical coastal nations around the world.
However, coral reefs are under threat globally (ICRI, NOAA, Reef base). They face damage from changing water temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution, invasive species, altered weather patterns, and physical impacts from ship groundings and storms. Human activities have exacerbated these threats, and many reefs have already been lost or are degrading at an alarming rate.
One of the most pressing threats to coral reefs is coral bleaching, which occurs when corals lose their vibrant color and turn white. This phenomenon is triggered by changes in ocean temperature, light, or nutrient levels, which cause the algae living within coral colonies to expel, resulting in the loss of color. Coral bleaching, followed by coral die-offs, has become a major challenge to coral reef ecosystems.
Methods of Coral Restoration
- In-Situ Nurseries: Coral fragments are grown on underwater structures such as ropes, frames, or trees, directly in the natural environment.
- Ex-Situ Nurseries: Corals are cultured in controlled environments, such as land-based tanks or facilities, before being transplanted back to the reefs.
Broken pieces of coral are collected and attached to substrates, such as rocks or artificial structures, to encourage regrowth.
Corals are broken into smaller pieces to accelerate growth and promote faster coverage of larger areas when transplanted.
Structures made from materials like concrete, metal, or biodegradable substances are deployed to mimic natural reef environments, promoting coral settlement and growth.
Coral larvae are collected, cultured, and then released onto damaged reefs to support natural recovery.
Developing heat-resistant or more resilient coral species that can better withstand the impacts of climate change.
Low-voltage electrical currents are applied to metal frames to stimulate coral growth, enhancing restoration efforts.
Steps in Coral Restoration:
- Evaluate the condition of the reef and determine restoration priorities.
- Develop site-specific strategies to address challenges and achieve restoration goals.
- Educate and involve local communities, divers, and stakeholders in restoration activities.
- Promote eco-friendly tourism to generate funding for restoration efforts.
- Apply appropriate restoration techniques based on the extent of reef degradation.
- Monitor the growth and survival rates of transplanted corals to assess progress.
- Continuously monitor restored areas to ensure their sustainability.
- Adapt restoration practices based on outcomes and environmental changes.
The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has initiated coral restoration projects in the districts of Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and Matara.