Mangroves provide an array of benefits to coastal communities, but in spite of their many values, mangroves in Asia continue to be converted to other land uses and sustainable financing for their protection has not been forthcoming.
IUCN Sri Lanka is the National Secretariat of Mangroves for the Future (MFF) regional initiative that is being implemented in the country since 2008. MFF Sri Lanka implemented over 82 small grants to date and as an innovative step, decided to allocate resources to better understand the post-project sustainability of MFF projects. Fifty nine (59) projects have been implemented during 2009-2012 of which 54 were evaluated.
This report explains the ecology and social profile of coastal systems in Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania in order to contribute to the development of effective strategies to enhance the resilience of marine and coastal systems in the Western Indian Ocean. Special consideration is given to the effects and consequences of climate change and economic development.
Using his marine experience of nearly four decades, the author has provided accurate descriptions of selected reef fishes, with precise illustrations by Shantha Jayaweera. This book long fills a gap, as country-specific field guides for Sri Lanka have not been readily available for marine enthusiasts to learn about reef fishes in its waters.
The hope is that this field guide, along with its companion, volume 1, will be useful resources for snorkelers, divers, and all those interested in marine life in expanding their knowledge on identification of species found in the reef habitats of Sri Lanka.
