Environmental Imoacts of Human Intervention on Koggala Coastal Area, & Restoration of the system by a Coastal Structure- Sri Lanka Experience

Sri Lanka has a 1660 Km of coast line and coastal zone contains, 24% of the land area and 32% of the population; about 65% of the urbanized land area; approximately 80% of the tourism activities and 67% of the nation's industrial facilities. Surges that cause severe coastal erosion along portions of the southwest coast and also by human activities thet increase erosion and pollution, and degrade valuable habitats that support livelihood of coastal commumity. The Sri Lanka Coastal Zone Management plan of 1990 includes jurisdiction of 2 km seawards from high water line, 2 km over inland waterways and 300m land ward strip. It sets out poliies and regulations for the legally defined coastal zone, and presents planning guidance. Emphasis has been given to problem which have resulted in significant economic and social losses. The Plan defines these problems and describes management strategies to control coastal erosion, reduce the loss and degradation of coastal habitats. Coastal sand mining and coral mining withing the coastal zone of Sri Lanka is totally prohibited under Coast Conservation Act.