Selected Group:

People who are engaged in the production of hand crafted wooden masks.

Why we have selected this group:

They are using Balsa tree for making masks.
“Balsa” tree is a very important mangrove plant.
This is a nearly two centuries old industry which has already consumed a large part of the larger Balsa trees in the Bolgoda natural habitat

Meeting with and having discussion with mask makersGrouped them.

Educate and create awareness in them regarding the importance of the Balsa trees for the area

Activities to be undertaken:

Organize a systematic program to replant Balsa trees with the mask makers
Issue micro loans to develop their business.

Some other traditional handicrafts are also contributing dramatically to mangrove destruction.

Over 300 families have been in the industry for decades. They use the mangrove plant named ‘Welkaduru' for their handicraft production. Current situation in the area is that, well grown mangrove plants of Welkaduru are not to be found in the Bolgoda catchments area.

Hence the current supplies of this raw material are being brought from the Ambalangoda area – causing severe destruction to the Madampaganga and Maduganaga mangrove forests.

Handicraft manufacturers were motivated and organized to replant the welkaduru. It is also planned to promote up market handicraft production by introducing new methods of production.

Panadura

Tsunami affected women are being supported under the project to initiate production of handicrafts which are not harmful to natural resources.