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| Sunday, 13 February 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Survey to determine tsunami's impact on environment A survey to determine the impact the tsunami may have had on our environment was recently launched by the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry with technical assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme. The survey is divided into two sectors - the Green sector and the Brown sector. The Green sector will cover natural eco-systems such as wetlands, natural parks, mangroves and beach-forest life while the Brown sector will cover emerging environmental pollution from debris, solid waste, chemicals released from factories and air pollution due to enhanced transport facilities. Work on these two sectors has already been started by special survey teams and the reports on the surveys are expected to be submitted soon. The Ministry's rehabilitation programme to restore the environment will be based on the recommendations of these surveys and will take a short and long-term basis. The programme will specially emphasise improving the living standards of those affected by the tsunami. Serious consideration has also been paid to natural forest plantations. The Government has decided to ensure a green belt of 100 metres inland on the Western Coast and 200 metres on the Eastern coast. The Ministry will work closely with other related Ministries and departments in this regard. The planting of marine vegetation on the shore-line has already started. ************ Cinderella goes on the boards
Cinderella, as you have never seen it before! There are disco lights, a royal palace, a sparkling carriage and a job for you - joining in the banter and even taking part in some singing! But, where can you experience it all? At the pantomime, Cinderella, presented by the Junior School of the British School of Colombo. You need not be a theatre enthusiast; if you are someone who likes a lot of fun and laughter, pantomime is for you. "Enjoyed by all ages, a pantomime is full of laughs, tears and even a touch of romance! The audience is part of the play," say the organisers. Pantomime, a custom in England during the post-Christmas period, brings traditional stories to life. It is a fun way of retelling a story with men taking the roles of women and lots of audience participation. Here, a team of 60 students and five teachers from the Junior School have given life to Ella, the poor Cinderella as we all know, who is treated badly by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Well, be at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on February 18 and 19, at 6.30 p.m. to make Ella's dreams come true! ************ Turtle conservation starts again The Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) has commenced its restoration work which was severely hampered by the tsunami waves, that devastated the southern coastline. The turtle hatcheries which were closely being monitored by the TCP, especially those on the Kosgoda beach, were affected to a large extent due to the destruction of the beach vegetation and also due to debris being swept on to the beach. TCP's work was also disrupted, as it lost three employees as well as many other staffers' houses and property. The project office along with research equipment were also destroyed. When restoration work gets under way, the TCP will focus on the need to scientifically improve the beach and coastal vegetation, as most of these areas provide breeding habitats to turtles. The attention of wildlife authorities has also been drawn by the TCP to the need to discourage illegal hatcheries. The need for privately owned hatcheries to be under the control of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and to be guided and scientifically monitored by expert turtle conservationists were also emphasised. Volunteers, while working on the restoration of the beaches, are now patrolling stretches of the beach which are mostly frequented by turtles. The tsunami's impact on the Rekawa beach, which also has turtle hatcheries, had been minimal, while the hatcheries along Bundala were saved by the undisturbed sand dunes in the area. |
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