PHOTO STORIES

PHOTO STORIES

9:01 AM ICT blogging 0 Comments

Banyan Tree, Dhangethi, Ari Atoll:

This banyan tree in Dhangethi Ari Atoll is considered to be one of the oldest prehistoric landmarks in the island. It is estimated that this tree is more 400 years old. Banyan trees play a vital role in our ecosystem. It gives shade and helps navigate sailors who often look landscape to find their way around when approaching inner atoll ring. Banyan trees also bear a fruit (locally called ‘nika’) when ripen becomes dark reddish. It is sweet and sometimes islanders mix the fruit with sugar and eat it in groups in their leisure time. Some of the roots of the tree hang vertically from branches and were used as part of sails. This wooden pole is locally known as ‘farumaanu’. Maldives need to protect huge trees like this banyan tree as it give immense benefit to the community.


Beach erosion:Beach erosion is a common problem faced by almost all the islands of the Maldives. It is suggested by some that this is part of the process where islands are formed and eroded. This may however, have some truth in it. Historic findings suggest that some islands which existed before have vanished because of erosion. There are new islands formed during this process as well. Experts in the field argue that massive erosion often is due to the human intervention either by amending or changing the shape of the islands by erecting seawalls, jetties or dredging lagoon, harbour etc...