Tropicoir Lanka and SLLDC in eco-friendly Lakeshore conservation

Recently-restored Diyawanna Lakeshore (pilot project)

Tropicoir Lanka Ltd. established a pilot project to protect Diyawanna Lakeshore, using coconut fibre-based erosion control products with SLLDC. The company provided FOC all the required material,

technical knowledge and expertise free of charge.          

It was a highly commendable step taken by SLLDC in promoting 100% local products that are biodegradable to conserve fauna, flora and the environment.

Erosion control products such as geotextile (coir netting) and coir logs are natural coconut fibre products used are designed to provide soil stabilisation and support along riverbanks, slopes, steams, hillsides, and other erosion-prone areas. Offering a high level of strength and reinforcement, coir fibre rolls feature densely packed mattress coir fibres that are placed inside a tubular coir twine netting. Both components are all natural and biodegradable, 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, supplied by our industry.

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, since these products are ‘made in Sri Lanka.’

Unlike stones and 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 our urban water ways. 

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

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