This atlas is to raise awareness among the policy makers, the scientific community and general public of the valuable ecosystems/habitats of an area of Sri Lanka which has up to now remained as an area with low level of human activity. This is mainly due to the low population density and the impact of the civil war (1983-2009). During the postwar period, widespread activities, such as encroachment of natural ecosystems, rapid development activity, influx of population from other areas, etc. can be seen. These activities are carried out with total disregard to the environmental sustainability of the area. Such activities will also deny the benefits of these rich ecological resources to the future generations.

This atlas will share with a wider audience, information on the nature, extent, and spatial distribution of some vital ecosystems that are dominant in the Mannar-Poonaryn landscape. In addition to the maps prepared covering this landscape, the atlas also provides information on the ecological structure, species composition and functional aspects of different ecosystems and the extent of the existing and proposed protected areas. Another aspect covered is cattle farming practices in the area as an important economic activity which is dependent on the salt marshes for fodder during some part of the year.