Tropicoir Lanka and SLLDC in Eco-friendly Lakeshore Conservation

Tropicoir Lanka (Pvt) Ltd launched a pilot project to protect the Diyawanna lakeshore using coconut fibre-based erosion control products with the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC).

The company provided all the required material, technical knowledge and expertise free of charge.

The SLLDC is promoting 100% local bio-degradable products to conserve fauna, flora and the environment.

Erosion Control Products such as geotextile (coir netting) and coir logs are natural coconut fibres designed to provide soil stabilization and support on riverbanks, slopes, steams, hillsides and other erosion-prone areas.

Offering a high level of strength and reinforcement, coir fiber rolls feature densely packed mattress coir fibers that are placed inside a tubular coir twine netting. Both components are all natural and bio-degradable, making coir logs safe for the surrounding environment. This is an ecological method of erosion control.

Using coir geotextiles and coir logs in environmental conservation is a many decades old practice in the western world. Commercial implementation of such projects with government intervention has the potential to drive the fibre industry towards greater value-addition and generate more employment opportunities.

Apart from its environmental benefits, it is beneficial to the economy in terms of foreign exchange savings as these products are made in Sri Lanka.

Unlike stones, concrete and other materials widely used, these are light in weight and could be moved into places with limited/narrow access through land and water making it an ideal solution to preserve urban waterways.

Once coir geotextile and logs are securely installed using proper techniques, these natural materials will bio-degrade within three to five years allowing the vegetation to take over the protection restringing its natural ecosystem.

Preservation of flora and fauna happens due to its natural tendency to allow quick growth of vegetation thereby providing a haven to birds and other forms of life. Conserving the waterways in Colombo using this eco-friendly method will enhance its natural beauty and can be turned into tourist attractions.