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| Sunday, 24 July 2005 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Coconuts in the buffer zone by Dr. H.A.Jayantha Gunathilaka Nobody knows when a tsunami would take place next. But countries which are victims of such natural disasters should plan for future development activities, well in advance.
Existence of marshy locations among land help preserve earth, while pipe-borne water, collects the excess rainwater first and subsequently lets the water flow down systematically. Many among us fail to understand this. The public are sometimes misguided and led against far-sighted plans such as this. When the 100 metre zone was proposed to be maintained, it was the politicians who incited traders to agitate against this. The land adjoining the sea shore should be public property. One need not be an expert to understand that there should be a beach and a zone of 100 or 200 metres set-aside along the beach in common, for the public to enjoy as well as to derive economic benefits. What should be decided today is not the separation of the 100 metre preservation zone, but how it should be utilised and protected. This should be done properly. It should be designed carefully with the fisheries industry, the tourist industry and the natural environs in mind. The main purpose here should be to discuss how to base coconut cultivation for the benefit of the coastal residents. What is required for the growth of a coconut plant is a sufficient quantity of water and sandy light soil. We also know that a coconut palm needs salty soil. When one visualises a picturesque scene of the sea shore of a tropical country like Sri Lanka, if there are no coconut palms in that picture, it would not be a natural phenomenon. The scene of coconut trees bending towards the beach is typical of our beautiful island. Tsunami and coconut cultivation The damage caused to the coconut plant by the tsunami is minimal. Coconut plants of 3-4 years of age were destroyed only to a certain extent in the eastern coast. Although coconut related industries such as fibre were destroyed, not even 1 per cent of the coconut trees were affected. Further, the salty water that came on to the land with the tidal waves did not cause any harm to the coconut yield or the nuts. However, trees and crops such as bread-fruit, palmyrah and banana perished completely due to the saltiness of the sea-water. The coconut tree had the strength to survive because of its natural ability to sustain the salty soil. In addition, numerically, a net-work of more than 600 roots provides the tree with sufficient strength to resist any torrents of water that flow to the land. However, it cannot survive a cyclone. Importance of the coconut plantation in the coastal belt Firstly, the coconut plantation creates a population of environment friendly trees. Secondly the coconut trees provide economic returns. Among them are a good coconut yield, the toddy industry and the fibre industry. Since water and sunlight are available in abundance in the coastal belt, more trees can be grown in the south, in places like Payagala. These trees and their shade help protect the fishermen's boats and equipment, while supporting the fisher-folk in many other ways. According to the above plan, a coastal zone of one kilometre in length or breadth will itself protect the coast and the extent of the land is 0.01 square kilo metre. This area of land is equivalent to one hundred thousand square metres. Accordingly, a maximum of 1800 trees could be planted. The coconut yield that could be obtained from the above trees is around 140,000 nuts per year. In terms of toddy, it is 3600 litres. In this way, coconut plantation along the coastal belt will serve not only as a fence against the tsunami, but also as an economic and environmental zone. In the eastern coast, if a zone of 200 metres is established 3330 trees could be planted in an area of 1 km., and the yield obtainable per year will exceed 325,000 nuts. Examples from other countries Very recently, I had the opportunity of taking part in a conference organised by the European Commission on 'Environment protection' held in Bangkok, and discussions were held on coastal forestry. One of the topics taken up for discussion was the 'Role of the coconut trees against tsunami'. Thailand, Indonesia and India which were victims of the tsunami are already engaged in establishing forestry within the affected zones. In Thailand, coconut planting along the coastal belt have already begun. Even the LTTE has commenced planting coconut trees in the uncleared areas, such as Mulaitivu and Kilinochchi in a 200 metre zone along the coastal belt. The LTTE maintains a Coconut Seedling Nursery in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi wherein 100,000 seed nuts have been laid for production of seedlings. But the politicians are divided in opinion on this subject and it is unfortunate to see them still fighting over the issue. After planting coconut trees in the manner described above,any other plants that grow well in the coastal soil could also be grown. For this purpose, plants such as casuarina and pinus are suitable. In this manner, if programs are launched for establishing coastal forestry in coconut plantations for the purpose of preserving the coast, generous financial assistance could be obtained from institutions such as the European Commission. What is needed now is the acceptance of the principle and designing of plans. Thereafter,the country could reap benefits within five years from a proper coastal forestry established within coconut plantations with foreign financial assistance. Although there was no tsunami effect, I should like to cite as an example how the state of Abu-Dhabi has developed their coconut plantation. The people living in the desert and distant towns in Abu-Dhabi are accustomed to spend time on the coast during weekends. The King of the State of Emir who visited Sri Lanka for the non-aligned conference in 1976, seeing the coconut plantations in Sri Lanka went back and planted coconuts and adopted the same practices which was very successful in the coastal area of the State of Emir. Today the environs of the city of Abu-Dhabi has been beautified with coconut palms. You would find coconut trees in coastal areas, in city parks, and on either side of the roads in the city. The King of Emir was delighted to pluck the first young coconut (kurumba nut) from the new plantation and flew to Switzerland carrying it with him. But, we in Sri Lanka are blocking coconut land into pieces! The land on earth does not belong to anyone as stated by Ciatel to the whitemen in America. Owners to it cannot be named. The land belongs to nature by which both man and animal are protected. Hence, if coconut plantations are set under a proper plan, in accordance with the proposition of coastal forestry, we will be in a position to face a tsunami without much harm. (The writer is the Chairman, Coconut Cultivation Board) *** How to plant coconut seedlings The coconut plantation already existing within a zone of 100-200 metres (except in the strip of beach) can be preserved. If there are no coconut trees at present,coconut plants can be planted without much difficulty. It is very easy to plant coconuts since the soil is sandy, what is more important is taking care of it. This can be done under a proper plan as described below. If a 100 metre coastal preservation zone is established, lines of coconut plants can be cultivated and it is better to plant the first two lines with a tall x dwarf variety plants because of the availability of water and sunlight in abundance. The space between the first two lines is roughly 15x15 ft. Since coconut plants are planted in a triangular method, it is like a security fence. The balance lines can be planted with a tall variety with the space between them being 24-25 ft., while an extra number of plants can be grown and a healthy growth can be expected as the plants receive sufficient sunlight. The trees provide a protection to the sea shore, while providing good shade too. As stated earlier, coconut yield as well as the toddy industry can be developed. Further, these trees will save a security fence in case of tsunami tidal waves. This will help reduce the speed of tidal waves that come into the land, as well as reduce the speed of the water rushing towards the sea. This advantage could be further developed by planting other plants such as casuarina which are sustainable to salty conditions. |
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There is a landscape necessary for any natural location. For example,
rivers must have a strip of land along their banks and lakes, a catchment,
and there must be a forest on the top of a mountain. Well located banks on
either side of a river reduces the causes of floods.