By, Alfred Jerushan Dalima

On 16th April 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, under the theme “Lifeline of the Coastal Land,” a mangrove planting event was organized by the Vizhudhu Empowerment Centre under the GIZ – SCOPE project, with financial support from the European Union and the German Government. The activity took place on the beachfront near the main road of Mannar Island, where 2,000 mangrove plants were planted by Vizhudhu ACG youth.

The event was graced by the District Secretary of Mannar, the Assistant District Secretary, GIZ-SCOPE Project Consultant, coordinators of non-governmental organizations, coastal development officers, Grama Niladhari officers, development officers, community development officers, girl guides, fisherfolk, community leaders and more than 100 youth, including young men and women actively involved in social work in Mannar District.

With great enthusiasm and commitment, all 2,000 mangrove saplings were successfully planted.

This initiative aims to raise awareness among Mannar District’s fishing communities about the importance of mangroves, to unite multi-ethnic communities in protecting coastal ecosystems, and to promote replanting efforts that safeguard the environment—ensuring that future generations of fisherfolk inherit protected and thriving coastal resources.