| Starting from a long standing cooperation between the Vrije Universiteit Brussel - VUB and the University of Ruhuna - RUH, the project wishes to contribute to the reversal of the continuous loss of natural coastal features, particularly mangroves, both in view of their possible role in protection against sea-borne hazards and in their socio-economical role. It intends to combine existing expertise at both institutions in assessing through scientific research the current situation, mapping the quality of coastal features (mangroves) and their role, evaluate protection and development potential, strengthening and generating local capacity in the process. Training of local PhD and MSc students at the University of Ruhuna will be an important capacity building aspect. Through model sites both validation and demonstration are aimed at, while the extension is effectuated with the contribution of stakeholders, particularly NGOs. It is expected that the entire process will contribute to a more efficient governance through the identification of the limiting factors to a rational coastal zone management. |
