Why you should visit NARA Regional Research Centre at Kadolkele?

The regional research center at Kadolkele, Negombo situated 30 km north of Colombo on the North Western Coast. It lies adjacent to the Negombo estuary and is located in a mangrove area of 14 ha in extent. Though the research center is situated closer to Negombo town, an experience of mangrove forests could be obtained by visiting. Under the scientific platform, this large mangrove patch has acquired the attention of scholars, researchers, and university undergraduates for exploring in accordance with diverse mangrove habitats. Mangrove Park at Kadolkele R.R.C. consists of 20 true mangrove species out of 21 in accordance with the mangrove guide published by the Ministry of Environment and Wildlife Resources in 2019. The ecosystem caters to the demand of mangrove-associated flora and fauna while extending numerous benefits to the community. Diverse mangrove ecosystems in intertidal zones are unceasingly subject to salinity fluctuations, muddy anoxic soil conditions, higher temperature conditions, and strong wind and wave action. Hence, adaptations shown by respective mangrove species for survival under diverse environmental conditions could be studied by anyone interested. Diverse root adaptations include the development of aerial roots such as pencil roots (Avicinnia sp.), peg roots or pneumatophores (Sonneratia sp.), knee roots (Bruguier asp.), plank roots (Xylocarpus sp.), and prop roots (Rhizophora sp.) for efficient gas exchange and better establishment in muddy substrate could study. Viviparous propagules; propagule start their germination while attached to the mother plant, which is important to maintaining the vegetative structure and composition of mangrove forest. Leaves of Avicinnia sp. Consists of salt-excreting glands that help plants remove excess salt and thick fleshy leaves contribute to storing water while cutinized outer epidermal is useful for the reduction of water loss. Environmental activists can eagerly explore the ecosystem which provides a niche for numerous floral communities including crabs, birds, porcupines, peacocks, pythons, lizards, water monitors, monkeys, etc. Moreover, a microbenthic community that acts as a bio-indicator of the ecosystem could be studied alone with mangrove zonation. The habitat consists of higher research potential and in accordance thousands of people visit the place focusing on numerous aims. The habitat provides an iconic platform for university undergraduates and scholars for the fulfillment of the research component as well as the accomplishment of knowledge thirst. As the evergreen environment perishes towards mind relaxation, the general public, photographers, and environmental educators frequently visit. Nevertheless, several NGOs, school children, and interested individuals from all corners of the globe visit the place to obtain practical exposure to the mangrove forest environment. Besides, volunteers from public and private sectors extend their support to conserve the environment via cleaning programs and campaigns such as the accumulation of marine debris, land encroachment along with garbage dumps, and deforestation aiming timber value of mangroves like human involvement generate negative effects on the flourishing ecosystem. Endless cooperation is required from the general public to conserve this vital habitat for future generations in a sustainable manner. Despite all, if you are an environmental investigator a visit to NARA Kadolkele Mangrove Park will garnish your mind and gift you an unforgettable lifetime experience for betterment. Come, join us, and perish your memories.

Nisansala Jayasundara

Scientist

NARA RRC - Kadolkele