Abstract:
Mangrove ecosystems play a vital role in climate stability, biodiversity conservation, and the
sustainability of coastal livelihoods. However, legal frameworks alone have often failed to ensure their
effective protection. The primary objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic factors
contributing to the failure of mangrove conservation laws in Sri Lanka and to examine how successful
conservation approaches implemented in countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia can inform more
effective strategies. This comparative conceptual study analyses the differences between Sri Lanka’s
predominantly top-down legal enforcement approach and community-based mangrove management
models adopted in other Asian countries. The findings indicate that conservation policies in Sri Lanka
frequently overlook poverty, livelihood security, and community participation, resulting in conflicts
between local communities and regulatory authorities. In contrast, successful international models
integrate community participation, sustainable livelihood development, and shared responsibility for
environmental protection. The study further highlights the critical role of social workers in promoting
community empowerment, facilitating alternative livelihood opportunities, strengthening participatory
governance, and advancing social justice within mangrove conservation initiatives. The analysis
concludes that sustainable mangrove conservation requires an integrated approach that combines
effective legal frameworks with community empowerment and social work interventions rather than
relying solely on legal enforcement.
