4th International Conference on Mangroves for Sustainability (ICMS 2026)
Participants: Research and Education for Environmental Foundation (REEF), International Scientists, Researchers, Academicians, Environmental Professionals, Policymakers, Government Representatives, Universities, Conservation Organizations, and Students
Organizer: Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSD), The Open University of Sri Lanka
Date: 22–25 July 2026
Venue: Colombo & Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
Theme: Advancing Mangrove Sustainability through Ecological Research, Climate Adaptation, Policy Frameworks and Technological Innovation
Focus: Mangrove Conservation, Blue Carbon, Climate Resilience & Sustainable Coastal Ecosystem Management
Scope
The Research and Education for Environmental Foundation (REEF) proudly participated in the 4th International Conference on Mangroves for Sustainability (ICMS 2026), held from 22–25 July 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. REEF contributed to the international conference as a Conference Sponsor, presented two scientific research papers on the Pulicat Mangrove Ecosystem, and actively participated in the official Madhu Ganga Mangrove Field Visit, demonstrating its commitment to advancing mangrove conservation, blue carbon research, climate resilience, and sustainable coastal ecosystem management.
The conference brought together leading scientists, researchers, academicians, policymakers, conservation organizations, environmental professionals, universities, and government representatives from around the world to exchange knowledge on ecological research, mangrove restoration, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, community participation, and technological innovation for sustainable coastal development.
Through conference sponsorship, scientific presentations, publication of research abstracts, technical discussions, networking sessions, and practical field exposure, REEF strengthened international collaboration while promoting evidence-based conservation, blue carbon assessment, ecosystem resilience, nature-based climate solutions, and sustainable management of mangrove and coastal ecosystems.
Content
The Research and Education for Environmental Foundation (REEF) proudly participated in the 4th International Conference on Mangroves for Sustainability (ICMS 2026), held from 22–25 July 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The conference served as an international platform for scientists, researchers, academicians, environmental professionals, policymakers, conservation organizations, and students to exchange knowledge on mangrove conservation, blue carbon ecosystems, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable coastal development, and innovative environmental management practices.
REEF participated as an official Conference Sponsor, demonstrating its continued commitment to promoting environmental research, international scientific collaboration, environmental education, and sustainable coastal ecosystem management. Through its sponsorship, REEF supported knowledge exchange among experts from different countries while strengthening partnerships for mangrove conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate change adaptation.
As part of the scientific programme, REEF researchers presented two peer-reviewed research abstracts highlighting the ecological importance of the Pulicat Mangrove Ecosystem. Both presentations emphasized the need for science-based conservation, long-term ecological monitoring, and evidence-driven management strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience and support sustainable coastal development.
Scientific Research Presentations
Research Paper 1
Blue Carbon Stock Assessment in the Pulicat Mangrove Ecosystem
The study focused on estimating blue carbon storage within the Pulicat Mangrove Ecosystem and highlighted the critical role of mangrove forests in carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable coastal ecosystem management.
Research Paper 2
Climate Change Adaptation and Ecosystem Resilience in the Pulicat Mangrove Ecosystem
The research examined ecosystem resilience under changing climatic conditions and emphasized nature-based solutions, adaptive management, ecological restoration, community participation, and long-term conservation planning for sustainable coastal ecosystems.
Conference Highlights
Mangrove Conservation
International discussions on mangrove restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable ecosystem management.
Blue Carbon
Scientific research on carbon sequestration and the role of mangroves in climate change mitigation.
International Collaboration
Networking among researchers, universities, conservation agencies, and government organizations.
Scientific Innovation
Research presentations promoting evidence-based environmental management and sustainable coastal development.
Madhu Ganga Mangrove Field Visit
An important component of ICMS 2026 was the Madhu Ganga Mangrove Field Visit at Balapitiya, Sri Lanka. Participants observed well-managed mangrove ecosystems, restoration initiatives, biodiversity conservation practices, community participation, and sustainable resource management approaches. The field visit provided valuable practical exposure by connecting conference discussions with real-world conservation practices and demonstrated successful examples of mangrove ecosystem management and ecological restoration.
Learning Outcome
Participation in ICMS 2026 strengthened REEF's international scientific engagement while enhancing knowledge on blue carbon ecosystems, mangrove ecology, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable coastal management, and collaborative environmental research. The conference also created valuable opportunities for networking, future research collaborations, and the exchange of innovative conservation strategies among international experts.
Key Takeaways
Mangrove Sustainability
Protecting mangroves supports biodiversity, fisheries, and long-term coastal resilience.
Blue Carbon
Mangrove ecosystems contribute significantly to carbon storage and climate change mitigation.
Global Collaboration
International conferences strengthen scientific partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Sustainable Future
Research, education, and collaborative conservation are essential for building resilient coastal ecosystems.
Activity Gallery
The following photographs capture memorable moments from the 4th International Conference on Mangroves for Sustainability (ICMS 2026), including REEF's participation as an official conference sponsor, scientific paper presentations, technical sessions, keynote lectures, networking with international researchers, abstract presentation sessions, exhibition activities, certificate distribution, and the educational field visit to the Madhu Ganga Mangrove Ecosystem in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka. The gallery reflects REEF's commitment to advancing international scientific collaboration, mangrove conservation, blue carbon research, climate change adaptation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable coastal ecosystem management.
