“Conservation is not just a word; it’s a commitment to cherish, protect, and sustain the delicate balance of nature, ensuring a legacy of biodiversity for generations to come.”
Driven by the commitment towards Ocean and Biodiversity Conservation, the Community Service Avenue of RACUOK, initiated a project called “ස්වභාසමුද්ර”. This remarkable project is focused on conserving the Ocean and our Environment under four distinct phases.
The first phase, which is the Sea Turtle Conservation, took place on August 26th, 2023, at the Sea Turtle Conservation and Rescue Centre, Kosgoda with over 50 participants. Under this phase, the ස්වභාසමුද්ර team tirelessly engaged in a myriad of activities including tank cleanup, feeding sea turtles, and also a beach cleanup. The highlight of this phase was releasing baby turtles into the sea. In a commitment to ongoing conservation, the team made a promise to donate a tank by actively collecting funds through various initiatives. This noble effort strives to positively impact the majestic sea turtles, ensuring their preservation for generations.
In the second phase of ස්වභාසමුද්ර – a Tree donation project was initiated on the 01st of November 2023 with the motive of not just planting seeds but also nurturing the seeds of the future. Under this phase, the initiative of establishing environmental societies in five schools in and around Kelaniya was taken, aiming to empower young minds to care for our environment. The participants were divided into three teams and collectively planted around 100 tree saplings in these 5 schools. Additionally, a Nature-themed art competition was also organized for those students to encourage them to showcase their creativity and passion for our environment. The phase was successfully completed together with the support of the dedicated OC members, leaving a lasting and positive impact on the environment.
In a yet another significant step towards ecological preservation, the third phase unfolded on December 23rd, with Mangrove plantation alongside the Pambala Lagoon, Chilaw. Mangrove plantation is a vital ecological practice, which not only enhances biodiversity but also acts as a natural buffer against erosion, fostering a sustainable environment for generations to come. Therefore, in line with this initiative, a total of 500 mangrove saplings were planted under the guidance of the Forest Department, Sri Lanka with over 20+ fellow Rotaractors. This collective effort is believed to have made a positive impact, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
As project ස්වභාසමුද්ර approached its final phase, the project obtained a title sponsorship from SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, and the fourth and final phase which included the Coral cleanup was conducted on 15th of February, in collaboration with the sponsors together with the Dodanduwa Diving Center in Hikkaduwa.
On the way to the Dodanduwa Diving Center, the team stopped by the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Center to inaugurate the tank that was donated to the center as promised in Phase 01. The tank was successfully opened with the presence of the esteemed members of SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, showcasing the shared commitment towards marine conservation.
After arriving at the diving center, the participants took part in a brief awareness session which was conducted by Mr. Chanaka Sooriyabandara – Research Scientist at Blue Ocean Trust, giving insights on the challenges faced by these vital ecosystems.
Following the awareness session, the divers from the diving center ventured into the water to collect coral debris. The conversation efforts did not end there. Teaming up with SGS Lanka, the participants engaged in a beach cleanup, diligently removing litter from the shores to demonstrate their dedication to coastal preservation.
Phase 04 of Project ස්වභාසමුද්ර proved to be a success with over 100 participants including club members and volunteers, showcasing the collective impact of collaborative efforts in marine conservation. As the day drew to a close, the coral cleanup and beach cleanup was concluded with a vote of thanks to SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. for sponsoring Project ස්වභාසමුද්ර and to the Dodanduwa Diving Center for collaborating in Phase 04.
After a day of hard work, the organizing committee members were treated to a special beach camping experience, which they deserved. This 6 month long project wouldn’t have been successful without the hard work and contributions of all, from the sponsors and collaborators to the passionate volunteers and organizing committee members of Project ස්වභාසමුද්ර.
“ස්වභාසමුද්ර” is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives, showcasing the deep connection between Rotaractors and the environment. Therefore, through this ocean and biodiversity conservation project, the Community Service Avenue of RACUOK believes to have created a legacy of environmental stewardship, paving the way towards a more sustainable future.
