Coastal ecosystems are the unique habitats formed by plants and other organisms that can thrive at the borders between ocean and land, where they must live in saltwater and changing tides. Like forests, many of these coastal ecosystems are full of plants that help regulate the Earth’s temperature. As the plants in these ecosystems grow, they pull carbon out of the air and store it in their tissue, roots, and the soil beneath them. This keeps carbon out of our atmosphere, where the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide would otherwise trap heat and warm the planet.
Experiences
Explore a coastal ecosystem
Essential Ecosystems
Coral Reef Discovery
Meet your naturalist at Mahamodara Beach and leisurely explore this coastal ecosystem before sunset. He/She will point out a variety of coastal flora and fauna whilst explaining the important role they play in keeping the Earth’s temperature in check. Depending on how low the tide is and how calm the ocean is, you can walk on a coral reef.
your host
Anoma: Anoma is a Cetacean expert who has committed to studying and preserving nature. His interest in nature goes back to his childhood, growing up in Kottawa in the Galle region. The lush forest surroundings close to his home provided him with much entertainment, and he spent many hours absorbing the wonders around him. Upon leaving school, Anoma began his career at the Galle Maritime Museum under the tutelage of its curator, Mr Dharma Sri Kandamby – a keen representative of the Wildlife Conservation Society at national and international platforms whose vast experience as a scientific collector includes the discovery of a new species of endemic frogs and crabs.
Your host continued
Accompanying his mentor on such voyages of discovery, Anoma was soon an equally dab hand at finding and identifying the wealth of natural life around him, including the discovery of a new species of endemic lizards, freshwater fishes, frogs and freshwater crabs. These projects continued to become the subject of numerous research papers, which Anoma compiled as part of his Wildlife Conservation & Management Programme at the Open University and Biodiversity Management Diploma at the University of Colombo.
Anoma, a licensed Ceylon Tourist Board Guide and Lecturer, is a very active and supportive member of the Blue Whale Conservation Group at Mirissa. As a naturalist and marine biologist, he is keen on promoting conservation through tourism and increasing local revenue via continuous dynamic strategies.
Inclusions & Things to Note
- Number of guests: Minimum 2 and Maximum 20.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Suitable for children: 6 – 11 years.
- Meeting time: 4 pm.
- Meeting place: Jetwing Lighthouse.
- Includes: Exploring a coastal ecosystem with a naturalist. King coconut, tea/coffee/ milkshake, water.
- What to wear or bring along: Light cool clothing, nonskid shoes or sandals Sunglasses, caps/ hats. Camera.
- Important info: As this is a beach-related experience, you might get a bit soaked from the waves of the ocean. If you like, please carry a towel with you. Please note that this experience depends on a low tide, calm sea and clear weather.
- Making the most of it: Please ask your hosts a lot of questions. Please also follow his safety instructions at all times.
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