Vankalai Sanctuary in Mannar was declared a sanctuary by the Department of Wildlife Sri Lanka in 2008 and a RAMSAR wetland of international importance in 2010. This site covers an area of 4,839 hectares and consists of several ecosystems which range from arid zone thorn scrubland, arid zone pastures and maritime grasslands, sand dunes, mangroves, salt marshes, lagoons, tidal flats, sea-grass beds and shallow marine areas. The sanctuary supports high species diversity and also sustains the livelihoods of fisheries-dependent communities in the area.
This initiative was aimed at conserving the Vankalei Bird Sanctuary by decreasing the threats to the sanctuary, constructing an operational centre for the Department of Wildlife staff, installing information boards for visitors, distributing educational media on the environmental importance of the Vankalai Sanctuary, planting trees, providing awareness trainings on community eco-tourism and supporting the livelihoods of small scale fishing families through eco-tourism.
Progress reports
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
Type of commitment
NUTRIENTS
- Other (please specify): Awareness of local communities on proper waste management practices
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Community or Locally Managed Marine Areas
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
Type of commitment
- MPA management and/or enforcement
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
Type of commitment
- Economic benefits from sustainable tourism
April 2017
Sri Lanka
