In a landmark collaboration, the Ministry of Crab (MoC) has teamed up with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka to champion mangrove conservation efforts. Through the GEF Small Grants Programme, this partnership will help restore critical mangrove ecosystems, particularly in the Mannar Landscape, with the goal of empowering local communities to plant and protect over 1,000 mangroves.
Ministry of Crab, internationally renowned for celebrating Sri Lanka’s iconic crabs, is deeply invested in the sustainability of the ecosystems that sustain them. With a pledge of 9 million rupees (approximately US$ 30,000), MoC is funding an 18-month project aimed at mangrove restoration. The initiative will be executed in collaboration with the Human Development Organization (HDO) and WeCAN, two organizations committed to environmental conservation.
Mangroves play a crucial role in the island’s ecological balance, protecting coastal regions, reducing erosion, and supporting marine life. As these ecosystems are vital for the survival of crabs and numerous other species, their protection aligns with Ministry of Crab’s core values. “Mangroves are an essential part of Ministry of Crab’s journey, as well as for everyone in Sri Lanka who takes pride in our crabs and the ecosystems that sustain them,” says co-founder and celebrated chef Dharshan Munidasa.
The restoration efforts will engage local communities in planting and protecting mangroves, enhancing both environmental and socioeconomic sustainability. The initiative is also a testament to MoC’s global team, including cricketing legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who are proud to support this meaningful project.
This collaboration between Ministry of Crab and the UNDP is a powerful reminder of how businesses and international organizations can work together to preserve the natural world for future generations. The project not only seeks to rejuvenate the coastal landscapes of Mannar but also to inspire a broader movement of conservation and environmental stewardship in Sri Lanka.
