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International Journal of Marine Science 2014, Vol.4, No.55, 1-5
http://ijms.biopublisher.ca
3
1.4 Present situation
Many of the places,
Casuarina
belt was established at
a satisfactory level. At the same time illegal cutting of
trees was a common problem noted in all the sites, for
the purpose of agriculture farming, fencing, fire-wood
and home garden activities. In addition to that,
Casuarina
trees burned due to personal issues in
certain places (Figure 1). Sand mining and garbage
dumping also noted in some places in the vicinity and
inside the plantation.
About 26% of
Casuarina
plantation had been lost
(Table 2) and 50-60% of the plantation succeeded. The
rest of the plantation showed poor growth.
Casuarina
which established in 2003 and 2005 showed higher
percentage of loss.
Table 2 Loss of
Casuarina
, planted at different time period.
Planting activities not continued after 2006
Year of implementation
Extent (ha) Loss (ha) Loss (%)
2000
17
3.5
20.6
2001
10
2
20
2002
10
2.5
25
2003
60
18
30
2005
170
52
30.5
2006
105
18
17
Total
372
96
25.8
2 Discussion
2.1 Selection of species
Casuarina
tolerates xerophytic conditions and shows
reasonable establishment within a period of 6-7 years,
in a height of 10-15m. But it was monoculture.
Monoculture stands are more vulnerable and less
resilient than multi-species for external shocks (Adger
et al., 2005). It does not permit ground growth within
the plantation area (Zoysa, 2008) due to thick litter
layer, shadow effect and may be possible physiological
effects on the other species. This leads low
biodiversity. When considering species combination,
the
Casuarina
belt is less successful. This plantation
could be designed in a way to accommodate natural
succession of other coastal plants such as
Pandanas
,
Spenifex
,
Ipomea, Calotropis,
etc. Careful planning
and suitable selection of species should be focused
when projects are designed. It is advisable to use
multi-story-multi-species with adequate multi-disciplinary
approaches when considering any restoration or
establishment of ecosystems. The above would
accommodate as many as functional groups and are
necessary for the continued development and stability
of the restored ecosystem (Clewell et al., 2004; Andel
and Aronson, 2006). Therefore, selection of suitable
species depends on identifying similar and suitable
reference sites and the history of the area where the
project is going to be implemented. This is the crucial
and indispensable part in the designing phase.
2.2 Fire belt
Casuarina
is a fire prone species. Spaces between
belts and individual plants were 50-400 m and less
than 2m respectively in most of the places. In addition
to that, litter was found to be 7-12 cm thickness. No
fire-belt established in any of the plantation site.
Accidental fire leads severe damage for the planted
Casuarina
belt and it was happened in one of the sites.
When considering these issues,
Casuarina
belt was
not scientifically designed in Batticaloa district. The
gaps between belts and individuals should be
maintained effectively. But in the case of tsunami the
gaps are less protective for the incoming waves. By
establishing another vegetation layer in front of or
behind the
Casuarina
belt, especially to cover the
gaps between
Casuarina
belt, could be an alternative
approach to reduce the tsunami waves (Samarakoon et
al., 2012).
2.3 Funding sources and alternate income support
Funding is the main limiting factor for the agencies
for its continuity and managing the programme in a
long-term. Technical capacities of government and
non-government agencies for bio-shield implementation
should be enhanced/increased. Fund raising
programmes could be an alternative by the local
people. Alternative livelihood activities should be
focused when designing bio-shield programme, in the
form of “bottom up approach”. This should make
room for financial circulation or income generation
among the local communities which lead sustainable
management. This part was designed in the early
phase of planning but it was not successfully met, due
to financial restrictions.
2.4 Agriculture farming
Casuarina
belt acts as a barrier for wind blow and salt
spray. It facilitates agriculture and home garden
practices from falling and burning of crops, especially
in Kaluthavalai and Tettathivu. But at the same time,