23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Drone/Aerial
Beauty of Blue Forest Connectivity from a Bird’s-Eye View

This photograph, taken in the beautiful Mannar area of Sri Lanka bordering the Palk Bay, captures the natural connectivity between mangroves, seagrass meadows, and mudflats. Viewed from a bird’s-eye perspective, the image highlights the seamless link between these vital blue-forest ecosystems, showcasing their ecological beauty and the crucial role they play in coastal biodiversity and resilience.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Sri Lanka
Camera: FC6310S
Copyright: © Susantha Udagedara