The British Council in Sri Lanka supported the dedicated youth group ‘Earth Friends’ with a ‘mangrove tree planting’ event in Negombo. Mangroves, known as nature’s protectors of coastal ecosystems, have faced increasing threats due to climate change and human activities.
The event was part of the British Council’s Youth Leadership for Climate Action (YLCA) project. With support from the British Council and its partner the youth wing of Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, the youth group – Earth Friends engaged in the YLCA project initiated this community action plan on climate change and environment conservation.
The planting event in Pitipana, Negombo, was organised to commemorate World Mangroves Day 2023 and showcased the passion and commitment of the young participants. Around 200 mangrove saplings were planted in a dedicated part of Negombo. Country Director British Council Sri Lanka Orlando Edwards expressed his gratitude while witnessing the efforts put forth by the youth team and said, “Their dedication and enthusiasm has exemplified the true spirit of the British Council’s YLCA project, which seeks to create a positive change and foster sustainable practices for a more ecologically sound Sri Lanka.”
Area Engineer at the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Isuru Ariyaratne said, “Negombo lagoon has been identified as one of the most productive and sensitive ecosystems in Sri Lanka and has a long association with the fishing industry.
“It acts as a nursery, refuge and feeding ground for many fish species and the mangrove habitats play a crucial role to protect the lagoon shoreline and its biodiversity,” Ariyaratne said.