Negombo lagoon boundaries being re-demarcated

Recent reports have highlighted the severe environmental degradation in and around the Negombo lagoon and the concerns of lagoon fishing communities, residents, religious leaders and civil society representatives.

However, things may be starting to look brighter following the development and implementation of a lagoon management plan that, for the first time, has involved all stakeholders.

Since 2010, the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme (RFLP), funded by Spain and executed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has been working with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development to address some of the problems facing the Negombo lagoon.

The major problems facing the lagoon include the discharge of sewage and the dumping of solid waste from homes and businesses.

To ensure more representative management of the lagoon, a Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee has been formed. The development of the lagoon fisheries management plan was a priority for the Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee. he plan was agreed upon by all stakeholders at a Fisheries Management Coordinating Committee meeting held last year.

It contains measures to protect livelihoods of genuine lagoon fishermen through a strictly enforced licensing system and ensures sustainable use of resources through enhanced monitoring, control and surveillance.

Among the key issues identified is the lack of clearly defined and legally identified lagoon boundaries. Attempts to establish boundaries around Negombo lagoon have been made before. From 2002-2004, an Asian Development Bank project demarcated a 10 m land corridor from the high water mark and installed 2,400 boundary posts fixed 10 m apart around the lagoon perimeter.

However, this land corridor was never acquired by the State and remains in the possession of individuals. Encroachment has continued, while 686 boundary posts have simply disappeared.

Under the new management plan, efforts are again being made to establish legally defined boundaries for the lagoon.