Introduction
Mangrove ecosystems play an important part in climate change mitigation and protect the coastlines building resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and communities. It is estimated that the annual carbon sequestration rate for mangroves averages between 6 to 8 Mg CO₂e/ha, indicating that mangroves sequestrate carbon at a rate two to four times greater than tropical forests.
As per the Forest Department, more than three decades ago, Sri Lanka had at least 40,000 hectares (98,842 acres) of mangroves. However, according to the Forest Department, Sri Lanka now has only a mangrove cover of 19,500 ha. A large percentage of the island’s mangrove population has been subjected to depletion and deforestation as a result of various anthropogenic activities as well as natural disasters. Siltation from inland sources and cutting of mangroves for other land uses has adversely affected the ecosystem services of these habitats. Interventions are needed to protect and restore mangroves in Sri Lanka, protecting coastal ecosystems as well as addressing climate impacts.
This webinar is organized under SLYCAN Trust’s Blue-Green Protectors Programme and the project ‘Addressing Climate Change and Uplifting Marginalized Coastal Communities through Mangrove Restoration,’ which is supported by Mitsubishi Corporation. The event focuses on building capacities on conservation, restoration, nursery development, and livelihood opportunities related to mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka.
Objectives
Increasing awareness on the importance of and threats to mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka.
Building capacities on mangrove conservation, restoration, and nursery development.
Building awareness on livelihood opportunities related to mangrove ecosystems, including those related to ecotourism.
Identifying opportunities for youth engagement in the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka.
Just transition in the energy sector
- Key elements to ensure just transition in the energy sector
- Gaps and challenges faced in integrating aspects and strategies of just transition in the energy sector
- Institutional structures and role of actors in achieving just transition in the energy sector
- Entry points and opportunities for integrating just transition into climate policy initiatives and actions
- Success stories, best practices, and experience sharing on initiatives
Ensuring just transition in the food sector
- Key elements of just transition and their relation to global and local food systems
- Gaps and challenges faced in integrating aspects and strategies of just transition in the food sector
- Institutional structures and role of actors in achieving just transition in the food sector
- Entry points and opportunities for integrating just transition into climate policy initiatives and actions
- Success stories, best practices, and experience sharing on initiatives
Gender, inclusion, social protection, and cross-cutting aspects related to just transition
- Key cross-cutting aspects related to just transition
- Interlinks for integration of just transition with climate action and into different climate policy and action processes
- Impacts of COVID-19 and the role of recovery actions in contributing toward just transition
- Success stories, best practices, and experience sharing on initiatives
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