20

th
Annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (SLAFAR). 22
nd
May,
2014, Colombo. 22pp

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the local community in Rekawa
mangrove ecosystem on its protection.
Gamaarachchi .G.A.I.K.*, Kumara M.P. and Dushani S.N.
Faculty of Fisheries and Marine science, Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Mahawela Road,
Tangalle, Sri Lanka
*Corresponding author: ikalpani20@gmail.com
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of
the local community in Rekawa and Netolpitiya villages on the conservation and management of
the mangrove ecosystem there. . In this study, a questioner survey was conducted to collect data
from sixty randomly selected households in the western and southern parts of Rekawa village
and Netolpitiya village respectively. Data were analyzed using chi-square test in MINITAB
statistical software.
The results showed a statistically significant association between the gender and knowledge
about the ability of mangroves to attract fish (2= 7.933, df = 2, p = 0.019); gender and
knowledge regarding change in lagoon fish species / density over time (2= 7.074, df = 1, p =
0.008); gender and knowledge on present and past mangrove densities (2 = 7.223, df = 2, p =
0.027). Residency pattern showed a statistically significant association with knowledge on
different mangrove varieties (2= 7.954, df= 2, p = 0.019); knowledge on the livelihood services
provided from mangroves (2= 7.218, df = 2, p = 0.027). There was a statistically significant
association between occupation and knowledge about mangrove associated animals (2= 14.011,
df = 4, p= 0.007); knowledge about the ability of mangroves to attract the fish (2= 10.110, df =
4, p = 0.039); knowledge about the livelihood services provided by mangroves (2= 14.466, df =
4, p = 0.006).
Results of this study disclosed a change in mangrove usage pattern; a decreasing trend in cutting
mangroves for firewood while increasing trend for construction material. About 45.8%
respondents believed that mangroves are protected by the state regulations. Over half of the
residents (51.7%) agreed that post-tsunami mangrove restoration programs in Rekawa lagoon
were highly successful and have contributed to increase mangrove cover whilst 36% believed
that the programs were unsuccessful due to poor management and lack of post-planting care.
According to 19.7% of the respondents, the best conservation initiative was to organize
awareness programs. There is a higher willingness (85%) for involving in future conservation
programmers which indicate the potential for a well-designed, community based conservation
program such as Payments for Ecosystem Services /Reduce Emission from Deforestation and
Degradation.

Key words: Rekawa Lagoon, mangrove, community, conservation