Mangrove field laboratory is an outdoor learning platform for nature explores for learning and exploration of mangroves while facilitating the protection of this ecosystem. Ultimately this is a central place for disseminating mangrove related knowledge to the society and fostering community involvement to conserve this invaluable ecosystem.

Our research on mangroves

Mangrove field laboratory is facilitating to conduct research on mangroves in various aspects in order to generate new knowledge and fill the gap between the scientific research and community awareness while emphasizing the biological, environmental and social significance of mangroves.

We are conducting research on mangroves to determine carbon assimilation capacity of mangrove soil. Here, a soil corer is used to obtain soil samples from specific depth. We take these soil samples to laboratory to determine total carbon content in different mangrove soil.

Our studies extend to evaluating physicochemical parameters needed for the selection of lands for mangrove restoration, such as salinity, temperature and pH in mangrove soil and water bodies. Also plant growth parameters are measured to determine the success of mangrove restoration program. Basically we are using two basic growth parameters, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and plant height.

We use DBH tape to measure growth diameter and meter tape for plant height measurements. If measuring tape is difficult to use in forest areas with high plant densities, a clinometer with trigonometric calculations is used to measure plant height.

As an outdoor classroom for kids and children

This acts as an environmental learning opportunity for kids and school children to identify mangrove plants and their adaptation through hands-on experiences and to explore the wonders of mangrove ecology.

Mangrove field laboratory is an invaluable opportunity for young nature enthusiasts in local as well as overseas countries to conduct mangrove research and explore tropical mangrove forests, thereby savoring the nature beauty of the island while broadening their knowledge.