Our coastlines are like nature’s front porch—open, inviting, and full of life. But they’re under threat. From litter-strewn beaches to endangered marine life, the need for coastal conservation is more urgent than ever. That’s where Project Coast Guards steps in. Project Coast Guards was a collaboration of three Rotaract Clubs.
- Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown
- Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts
- Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya
The Regional Engagement Avenue of the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya took the lead in coordinating Project Coast Guards on behalf of the club. Their proactive approach ensured the seamless involvement of the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya.
The ocean connects us all, but keeping it clean requires teamwork. Understanding this, the three clubs united for a common cause. Our goal was to give back to the environment and inspire sustainable practices. This initiative was aimed to restore and protect Sri Lanka’s coastal beauty through a two-phase project.
Phase 01: The Beach Cleanup
Location: Crow Island Beach, Sri Lanka
Date: 03rd November 2024
Crow Island Beach on the western coast of Sri Lanka faces severe pollution primarily caused by plastic and polythene waste. The Kelaniya River exacerbates the problem by carrying waste downstream into the ocean. The continuous influx of waste materials threatens wildlife, pollutes our waters, and endangers natural beauty. The Coast Guard initiative took a stand to reclaim our beach, having partnered with the Clean Ocean Force Youth Team and the Sri Lanka Police Environmental Division. Together, we were able to remove an astounding 467kg of waste from Crow Island Beach. Of the waste collected from the coast, 227 kilograms consisted of polythene, while 103 kilograms were rubber. As a part of phase 01, an awareness flyer was also shared among the public to raise awareness among the local community about waste management and the need to protect coastal ecosystems.
Phase 02: Donation to the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Location: Sea Turtles Conservation Centre, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka
Date: 24th November 2024
Sea turtles are vital for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. These ancient creatures face significant threats, including habitat loss, pollution, accidental capture in fishing gear, and illegal harvesting. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these species, many of which are endangered, ensuring they continue to play their ecological role and maintain the ocean’s balance. The Sea Turtles Conservation Centre in Dehiwala serves as a sanctuary dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating sea turtles. The centre also educates visitors about the critical role sea turtles play in marine ecosystems and the challenges they face.
Project Coast Guards donated 30,000 LKR, a collective donation from the three Rotaract Clubs, to the Sea Turtles Conservation Centre. A significant portion of these donations is utilized to acquire turtle eggs from local communities, ensuring they are protected and safely hatched. The hatchlings are cared for at the centre, and once they mature and are capable of surviving in the open ocean, they are released back into their natural habitat. At present, the primary funding for these efforts comes from contributions made by voluntary organizations.
In a world increasingly burdened by environmental challenges, Project Coast Guards exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can create meaningful change. Through collective action, the project not only succeeded in cleaning the coastline but also heightened awareness about waste management and marine conservation. It reinforced the message that protecting our natural resources is not a task for the few but a shared responsibility for all. Together, we can ensure that the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans are safeguarded for generations to come. Let’s turn these ripples of change into waves of transformation.
