A greenbelt is a policy and land use zone designation used in land use planning to retain areas of largely undeveloped, wild, or agricultural land surrounding or neighboring urban areas. One of its main purposes is to protect the countryside from urban sprawl. Towns and cities spread organically as they try to cater for increases in workforce and general population and these areas of green space are designed to help contain this spread, while also providing areas for agriculture, forests and habitats for native wildlife. While preventing urban sprawl, the Green Belt land also protects the agricultural industry and preserves the unique character of the rural communities. It also benefits the urban population to enjoy the countryside as a break from pollution and busy roads.

Sri Lanka, The Pearl of the Indian ocean, is an island lying to the south east of India between latitudes 05⁰55’.9051 N and longitudes 079⁰041’.8105 E between the tropic of cancer and the equator. The island has a land area of 65610㎢(25000 mile²). The country has a 1700km long coastline and 30,000㎢ continental shelf area up to 120 m depth. Presently Sri Lanka coastal habitant is included following aspects.

Estuaries

Lagoons

Mangroves

Sea Grass beds

Salt Marshes

Coral Reefs

Large extents of beaches

The Green Belt Project is conducted with the coordination of the Coast Conservation Department to address the issue of coastal erosion by planting more than 1700 of various kinds of plants near the beach areas which helps to protect coastal area and will create fresh and clean coastal belt for the future generation.

Undermentioned four regions have been established covering coastal areas around the island by Sri Lanka Coast Guard for the smooth functioning of Sri Lanka Coast Guard. Steps have been taken to as per regions to initiate and continues maintenances of the Green Belt Project. Under this project Planting Forest trees, Mangrove planting and Kathurumurunga planting are highlighted as key events.