Coral reef restoration program to boost local fisheries

The Tokyo Cement Group and Wildlife Research and Conservation Trust (WRCT) recently entered into a MOU to unite their strengths for coral reef restoration making it one of the key building blocks of Tokyo Cement's coral reef rehabilitation initiative along the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka, a news release stated.

Tokyo Cement Group will invest millions of rupees over three years on a string of activities that will include replanting corals, conducting scientific research and creating awareness on factors affecting their growth.

As part of the understanding, the WRCT brings in their expertise in marine research, training and education to perform field work related to coral conservation.

WRCT will train the SL Navy and the Department of Wildlife Conservation in coral nursery preparation, reef-ball placement, coral planting and after care.

Coral reefs, the richly diverse marine ecosystems known as the rainforests of the ocean act as the first line of defence against the ravages of the sea, similarly being the first to be affected by climatic change and pollution. Especially in countries such as ours, coral reefs are endangered due to coastal development fuelled by the increase in population.

Coral reef deterioration impacts not just marine life but also coastal communities and economies. Given the speed and causes of destruction, action is required not just to preserve but also to replant and replenish what remains of our natural coastal barrier.

Recycling wastage

Tokyo Supermix - a ready mix concrete which produces 'Reef Balls', artificial structures that are used as substrate for new corals to grow on. With the help of a consortium of partners that include the Blue Resources Trust, the SL Navy and DWC, these Reef Balls are placed on the ocean bed in areas such as Pasikudah, Kayenkerni, Dutch Bay, Pigeon Island, all the way up to Jaffna.

A research scientist at WRCT, zologist Gajaba Ellepola said "As a keystone species to the reef ecosystem, providing essential habitat and supporting an amazing diversity of life, restoration of coral communities is necessary for the recovery and resilience of local fisheries and the conservation of marine resources.

Considering the current rate of decline of coral reefs around Sri Lanka, just conserving it is not enough.

It is time to go one step further and restore the lost reefs. Coral restoration activities conducted by WRCT are a part of a larger effort to restore and conserve local marine resources and enhance local fisheries and food security.

While the Navy, DWC officers and local fishermen are trained and assisted with coral restoration, we improve their knowledge about corals and reef ecosystems.

Ultimately, the project contributes to the sustainable use and preservation of marine resources for generations to come."

Engaging direct and indirect beneficiaries of a flourishing Coral habitat, such as local fishing communities, the tourist industry, and the general public, help create awareness on how everyone can play a part in conservation efforts and contribute to curtail harmful activities.

This holistic approach by Tokyo Cement to make a lasting impact was recognized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in 2014 as the Best Environmental CSR project.