Designing green belts in the coastal zone of Hambantota

Abstract

Tsunami, which occurred in the Indian Ocean on 26th of December, 2004 caused severe damage toSri Lanka's coastline. Hambantota District, situated in the south of the country was among the worstaffected. 19 GS Divisions in the Districts were affected. As a measure towards protection of thecoastline from future such hazards, establishment of a green belt has been suggested by theGovernment. The location of this belt was proposed to be in the strict conservation zone of the coastwhich was 100m in the western coast and 200m in the eastern coast. The limits were then revised andthe present reservation limits were in accordance with those listed in the Revised Coastal ZoneManagement Plan 1997.

The present study was conducted with a view to design a green belt for Hambantota District. It washoped to recommend the most suitable species and their arrangement taking into consideration thenatural landscape features of the coastl ine. Further, the modal ities of the implementation of such abelt also was discussed with the existing organisations in the District including govt., non govt, privateand the communities.

The exact study area was limited to the coastline between Kudawella to Kubukkan Oya. Data werecollected in 12 sampling locations. The methods used for data collection were, reconnaissance survey,floral sampling, focal group discussions and community survey. In the floral sampling, a transect of10m x SOm was established from the beach towards the inland at each sampling location and all thespecies were identified. The intention of this was to identify the species which are most resistant tocoastal hazards. Focal group discussions were held with the key players in the green belt establishmentin the District. The main aim of this was to identify their level of support and willingness to participatein the Green Belt.

According to the results, the coastline of Hambantota can be divided into natural, rural and urbanareas. Among the natural areas, mangroves and sand dunes were prevalent. Recommendations aregiven in the use of most suitable plants for individual areas in the District ie Rekawa, Yala NationalPark. Mahalewaya, Rathupasgodalla and rural areas. Many govt, and non govt. organisations wereinvolved in tree planting. However, there was no coordinated effort. The neighbouring communitiesexpressed their willingness to participate in this exercise especially in tree planting and maintenance.