If you can remember the tsunami in 2004, then you must remember the thousands of lives it took away and the damage it caused. But we could have lost many more lives and suffered more from severe damage than we faced if there wasn’t a natural buffer that our country has. Especially the mangrove plants that belt around the country played a massive part in that role.
Mangroves protect shorelines and riverbanks from damage due to heavy waves and winds. And their tangled root system helps to bind the soil together and prevent erosion. As a country that is constantly affected by extreme weather events and rising seas due to the results of climate change, we must ensure the protection of our shores more than ever. Therefore after 2004, government and community-led mangrove planting programs have begun and continued till this day to expand island mangrove plant cover.
Last 30th of September, we collaborated with the Coast Conservation Department to replant mangrove plants in regions that still lack adequate natural buffers. This was the 2nd project I participated in as an AIESECer from AIESEC in SLIIT. Our team consisted of two incoming global volunteers (Emily Berlage from Germany and Nadia Swijtink from the Netherlands), three SLIIT AIESECers, three personnel from the Coast Conservation Department, and two boatmen.
At the mangrove plantation, we were instructed on how to extract mangrove plants and propagules, plant them, and the suitable places to plant them. After we had collected plants and propagules, we went to the place where we chose to plant them again. And to reach the replantation area, we had to go by boat since it was difficult to reach by land. On our way to the replantation area, we met some locals harvesting prawns and fishing. It was amazing how this ecosystem provides livelihood opportunities for neighboring communities and essential habitats for thousands of species.
In the end, we were successfully able to plant 326 mangrove plants.
When I joined AIESEC in SLIIT, I wanted to be a part of something that serves society and delivers a huge impact. One day I want to reflect on these memories and remind myself that I lived a remarkable life. AIESEC was found to achieve peace and fulfillment of humankind’s potential through cross-cultural experience. On a universal scale, what we did might be trivial, but looking back on the experience we gained, the fun we had, the memories we shared, and the impact we can make through this are amazing. Without a shred of doubt, I can say that this project was able to aim at the objectives I mentioned above, and it caused the betterment of our country.
By Sethum Rashmika
Content Writer
AIESEC in SLIIT
