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International Journal of Marine Science 2014, Vol.4, No.55, 1-5
http://ijms.biopublisher.ca
4
excessive shadow effect caused less performance of
crops when the agriculture farm closes to the
Casuarina
belt.
2.5 Community access
Fishermen appreciated that adequate space left for
fishing activities and shade was utilized by them for
resting and repairing nets. There were no conflict of
interest found between the fishermen and the
implementing agencies. Public appreciated because it is
believed to protect from natural hazards, provides scenic
beauty and leisure. In this point of view the
Casuarina
belt is designed in an eco-social friendly manner.
3 Conclusion
Species selection is an important when planning
restoration of ecosystems. Local knowledge, reference
sites and history of the site are also indispensable. One
of the key features of coastal green belt or bio-shield
development is to allow the area without any
disturbances for natural succession or activities that
support the natural succession. In assessing the
success of plantation, positive and negative impacts
need to be considered as indicated above. This
emphasis on a proper scientific planning (Feagin et al.,
2010). The question remains “whether is it worthwhile
to establish such a green belt focusing on a future,
unpredictable natural catastrophes given the existing
eco-social problems over a longer time frame?”
4 Materials and methods
4.1 Study area
The length of coastal region of Batticaloa district is
approximately 102 km. All the coastal areas that
having
Casuarina
plantations, in the Batticaloa district,
were selected, which lies between Periyakallar and
Kalkudah/Pasikudah (Figure 2). Coastal area in this
study was defined within 300 m from mean high tide
mark (CCD, 2004).
Figure 2 The location of
Casuarina
plantation (study sites) along the coast of the Batticaloa district
4.2 Data collection
The following information was obtained by means of
field survey as well as by using semi-structured
questionnaire. (1) Administrative: name of DS and GN
divisions, name of the project implemented, year of
implementation and name of the implementing/partner
organizations. (2) Ecological: name of variety used,
extent, height, number of plants, present situation. (3)
Opinions from various stakeholders.
References
Adger W.N., Hughes T.P., Folke C., Carpenter S.R. and RockstrÖm J., 2005,
“Social ecological resilience to coastal disaster”, Science, Vol. 309, pp
1036-1039
Andel J.V and Aronson J., 2006,
Restoration Ecology
, The New Frontier,
Blackwell Science Limited, pp3-15, 174-192, 2006
CCD, 2004, Sri Lanka Coastal Zone Management Plan
–
2004, Coast
Conservation Department (CCD), Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources, Sri Lanka
Clewell A., Aronson, J. and Winterhalder, K., 2004, The SER International
Primer on Ecological Restoration, Society for Ecological Restoration,
International Science and Policy working group