My journey through the IORA Blue Carbon Hub ECOP Program – 2024

By Waruni Tissera

Introduction

I’m Waruni Tissera from Sri Lanka, currently working as a research officer in the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka. I mainly engage with the government-led Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves Project, in Anawilundawa (on the west coast of Sri Lanka). Being relatively new to blue carbon research, I was actively seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and experience. When I learned about the IORA Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) Program, I looked into previous cohorts and alumni, realizing this was an excellent opportunity to enhance my skills and contribute more meaningfully to this field. Upon being selected for the program, I was beyond thrilled and eager to embrace this new chapter.

Research Overview

My research project focused on identifying the prevailing gaps in national reporting and monitoring mechanisms for mangrove restoration projects in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government, alongside NGOs and the private sector, has made substantial efforts to safeguard and restore mangrove ecosystems. This commitment was acknowledged globally in 2024 when Sri Lanka received the United Nations World Ecosystem Restoration Flagship Award.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, such as the lack of accurate data on areas under restoration and gaps in national reporting to international conventions like the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Monitoring the success of these projects also lacks a comprehensive, government-led mechanism for data collection, and tracking progress.

In my project, I focused on developing a policy brief and review with three key objectives: 

1. To review the current status of monitoring and reporting in mangrove restoration projects in Sri Lanka;
2. To identify feasible, cost-effective indicators and methods for effective monitoring and reporting in mangrove ecosystems;
3. To highlight gaps and propose recommendations for reporting to the GBF and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

I conducted a policy analysis, which highlighted the current state of and need for data collection and reporting, and identified that effective implementation remains a challenge. The Biodiversity Secretariat of Ministry of Environment is Sri Lanka’s focal point for the CBD and should lead in creating a comprehensive monitoring and reporting framework in collaboration with key stakeholders, considering the resources and technical capacities of the country. Using existing platforms like the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) registry and adopting a bottom-up approach for data collection will be effective for streamlined reporting.

Standardised methods for assessing coastal wetland restoration outcomes, including functional and socioeconomic indicators, are essential for consistent and comparable reporting. Addressing research gaps and prioritizing long-term monitoring through sustained funding will support adaptive management and successful reporting to stakeholders. A national reporting system aligned with international frameworks, such as the GBF, will strengthen the ability of Sri Lanka to meet global restoration goals.

Program Overview

The IORA Blue Carbon Hub ECOP Program marked a major turning point in my professional life. The experience, knowledge, and skills I gained were invaluable. Mat, Mark, Lauren, and the IOMRC staff were incredibly supportive, guiding us throughout the program. My supervisor, Mat Vanderklift, offered invaluable insights that helped me achieve the best possible outcome for my project. Weekly progress meetings and connecting with IORA ECOP alumni were instrumental in keeping us on track and ensuring the successful completion of our projects. We participated in a short course on “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Indian Ocean Region” led by the Australian National University. This course provided us with valuable knowledge that will be important for our future work in blue carbon initiatives, linking them to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. We also had the opportunity to participate in several visits, where we observed seagrasses and wildlife in Australia—an unforgettable experience that I truly loved. During my free time with other colleagues, I went for nature walks including bird watching, which is one of my favorite hobbies.

Benefits

The IORA Blue Carbon Hub ECOP Program has had a significant impact on both my professional and personal development. Beyond the knowledge gained from my project, I improved my skills in organization, communication, and networking. The experience expanded my scope, enabling me to work more broadly and connect with colleagues from different countries to share insights. This international exposure has been invaluable, enhancing my ability to contribute effectively to mangrove conservation efforts, not only locally but also regionally and globally.
Upon returning to Sri Lanka, I am now focused on publishing my review paper and am in the process of connecting with the focal point of Sri Lanka under the CBD, where I am trying to initiate actions to address the gaps I identified during the ECOP program. I hope that, this will help Sri Lanka streamline its reporting to the CBD and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and establish a standardized reporting system for mangrove restoration projects across the country.

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