Safeguarding Our Coral Reefs
The Kayankerni Reef, located in Sri Lanka’s Batticaloa District, is a marine sanctuary spanning 953 hectares, home to over 200 species of stony corals and 900 species of reef-associated fish. Its rich biodiversity supports the livelihoods of local fishing communities and boosts tourism in the region. Despite its ecological significance, the reef faces multiple threats, including overfishing, destructive fishing practices, unregulated tourism, and coral bleaching. The Life to Our Coral Reefs project, implemented under the Department of Wildlife Conservation and guided by IUCN’s Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS), seeks to restore reef health while enhancing sustainable livelihoods for the local communities.
A Two-Day Immersive Experience
On 5th and 6th December 2024, Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) led a field visit to the Kayankerni Seascape, bringing together representatives from nine BSL member companies to witness firsthand the conservation efforts under the Life to Our Coral Reefs project. This initiative, designed to restore coral ecosystems and strengthen community resilience, aims to engage the private sector in marine conservation while promoting sustainable economic opportunities for coastal communities.
With four companies already committed as project partners, this visit played a pivotal role in fostering corporate engagement, deepening understanding, and identifying further collaboration opportunities.
Day 1: Journey to Kayankerni
The field visit commenced on 5th December, with participants gathering at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in Colombo before departing for Kayankerni. A stop in Dambulla provided an opportunity for informal networking over dinner, setting the stage for deeper discussions on conservation and business engagement. The group arrived at Malu Malu Resort & Spa, Pasikudah, late in the evening.
Day 2: Exploring the Reef and Engaging with Local Communities
On 6th December, the team departed for Kayankerni early in the morning for an interactive field awareness session. Conducted by Blue Resources Trust (BRT), the project’s implementation partner, this session highlighted:
✅ The ecological importance of the Kayankerni Reef.
✅ The role of coral conservation in protecting biodiversity.
✅ How the project aligns with local socio-economic development.
Following the awareness session, a focused group discussion took place between the corporate participants and members of the Kayankerni Fishery Association. The discussion explored sustainable livelihood options that would allow local communities to reduce their dependence on fishing practices that harm the reef.
🌱 Key Takeaway: The community expressed strong interest in shifting to biodiversity-friendly livelihoods, but lack of market demand has hindered previous efforts. The project aims to bridge this gap by promoting eco-tourism and sustainable business models.
Experiencing Nature-Based Solutions Firsthand
Kayak Tour through Mangroves
To provide a hands-on experience, participants embarked on a guided kayak ride through the mangrove ecosystems of Kayankerni. This immersive activity showcased the biodiversity of the seascape and highlighted the potential for developing a formal kayak trail as a sustainable tourism initiative. The kayak ride served as a preliminary trial, with participants providing valuable feedback on how this initiative could be improved to attract eco-tourists.
Community-Hosted Lunch
A traditional meal prepared by the local community gave visitors a taste of Kayankerni’s culinary heritage. This experience further underscored how local food tourism could be integrated into eco-tourism models to generate alternative income sources for the community.
Engaging with the Hospitality Sector
Following the site visit, the team returned to Pasikudah for a strategic meeting with the Pasikudah Hoteliers’ Association. This discussion focused on how sustainable tourism could be leveraged to support coral conservation and community development.
Key Insights from the Hoteliers:
✔️ Hotels are open to promoting eco-tourism in Kayankerni.
✔️ A structured tourism strategy with clear branding and safety measures is essential to attract visitors.
✔️ There is strong potential for collaboration between local businesses, hotels, and conservation partners.
By integrating sustainable tourism practices, the hospitality sector can become a key player in reef conservation, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Observations and Key Takeaways
🔹 Corporate Engagement is Growing – The visit reinforced the role of private sector partnerships in conservation, with four companies already signed up as project partners and more expressing interest.
🔹 Alternative Livelihoods Need Market Support – While eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries hold promise, demand generation and branding will be crucial for success.
🔹 Tourism Can Be a Game-Changer – A well-structured eco-tourism strategy could provide long-term financial sustainability to conservation efforts and local businesses.
🔹 Collaboration is Essential – Stronger engagement between businesses, conservationists, government agencies, and local communities will be needed to ensure project success.
Strengthening Partnerships & Moving Forward
The Life to Our Coral Reefs project is a long-term initiative that will require sustained corporate engagement, local participation, and conservation expertise. Based on the insights gained during the site visit, BSL and its partners will focus on:
📌 Formalizing corporate partnerships to secure financial and technical support.
📌 Developing a sustainable eco-tourism model, including the kayak trail and local food experiences.
📌 Strengthening engagement with the Pasikudah hospitality sector to integrate reef conservation into their operations.
📌 Providing skills training and market linkages to ensure sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Join Us in Protecting Sri Lanka’s Reefs!
BSL invites businesses, conservation organizations, and individuals to become a part of this impactful initiative. By working together, we can restore our reefs, support communities, and promote sustainable business practices that benefit both people and nature.
#BSL #LifeToOurCoralReefs #Kayankerni #CoralConservation #SustainableTourism #EcoTourism #ProtectOurOceans
#Dilmah #CDB #CommercialBank #SpaCeylon #CinnamonHotels #Hirdaramani #DIMO #NDB #BlueResourcesTrust
Mannankulam Estate: Embracing Heritage and Sustainability with Biodiversity Sri Lanka
We are delighted to announce that Mannankulam Estate has joined Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) as a General Member. Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s East Coast, Mannankulam Estate is a beacon of cultural preservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Their partnership with BSL underscores a shared commitment to conserving Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
A Legacy Rooted in the East Coast
Mannankulam Estate, located in Akkaraipattu, is more than just a destination; it’s a journey into the soul of Sri Lanka’s East Coast. Spanning 25 acres, the estate has been in the hands of the same family for four generations, serving as a testament to their dedication to preserving the region’s heritage. The estate offers visitors an immersive experience through thoughtfully curated itineraries that celebrate the area’s culture, history, nature, art, and architecture. Guests are invited to stay in one of four personal homes, each reflecting unique Sri Lankan architectural styles, from early 19th-century colonial designs to contemporary tropical architecture by Anjalendran, a renowned architect who collaborated with Geoffrey Bawa in the 1980s.
Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
At the heart of Mannankulam Estate lies a profound respect for nature and a commitment to sustainable practices. The estate is a certified organic farm under SLS 1324 standards, cultivating a diverse range of produce, including coconuts, vegetables, fruits, and a sustainable amount of livestock. By prioritizing heirloom varieties and traditional production methods, Mannankulam Organics ensures that their products reflect the culture and values of the land. This approach not only preserves the integrity of the environment but also promotes health and well-being for consumers.
Biodiversity Conservation Efforts
Mannankulam Estate is a sanctuary for a remarkable array of flora and fauna. The property boasts rich biodiversity, hosting 218 plant species, 58 bird species, 28 butterfly species, 11 fish species, 12 mammal species, and 10 reptile species. The estate’s commitment to environmental conservation is evident in its efforts to enhance this biodiversity, creating habitats that support various indigenous species. Guests can engage in walking and bike tours, offering opportunities to observe and appreciate the estate’s natural beauty firsthand.
Cultural and Artistic Enrichment
Beyond its natural allure, Mannankulam Estate is a cultural haven. The estate houses a private collection of Sri Lankan contemporary and ancient art, including sculptures, paintings, and photographs from esteemed local artists. This artistic curation offers guests a deep dive into the island’s rich artistic heritage. Culinary experiences at the estate are equally enriching, featuring authentic Batticaloa cuisine crafted from traditional family recipes, allowing guests to savor the true flavors of the East Coast.
A Harmonious Partnership with BSL
The alliance between Mannankulam Estate and Biodiversity Sri Lanka is a natural convergence of shared values and objectives. Both organizations are dedicated to the preservation of Sri Lanka’s unique biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. Through this partnership, they aim to foster initiatives that support environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism, ensuring that the natural and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka’s East Coast is cherished and protected for generations to come.
For more information about Mannankulam Estate and their initiatives, please visit their official website: https://mannankulam.com
Ayurveda and Conservation Unite: Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts Becomes a BSL Member
We are thrilled to announce that Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts has joined Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) as a new General Member. Nestled in the tranquil coastal town of Beruwala, Western Province, Sri Lanka, Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital is a sanctuary of holistic well-being and sustainable living. With a rich history spanning over 55 years, this pioneering Ayurvedic resort has seamlessly blended traditional healing practices with modern hospitality, creating a haven for those seeking rejuvenation and inner peace. Their membership in BSL is a testament to their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
A Legacy of Holistic Healing and Sustainability
Founded in 1968 by visionaries Mr. Sudana Rodrigo and Mrs. Chitra Rodrigo, Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital has been at the forefront of Ayurvedic tourism in Sri Lanka. Their profound vision of sustainability, encompassing the sanctity of life, human consciousness, and inner peace, has guided the resort’s operations and growth. Today, under the leadership of their son, Manick Rodrigo, the resort continues to uphold these values, emphasizing human development that rests on the sustainability of life, both physical and spiritual.
Authentic Ayurvedic Healing
At the heart of Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital is its dedication to authentic Ayurvedic healing. The resort offers personalized treatment programs designed by experienced Ayurvedic doctors, including detoxification, rejuvenation, and stress relief therapies. Daily meditation and yoga sessions further enhance mental and physical well-being, while Ayurvedic cuisine, prepared according to Ayurvedic principles, focuses on nutrition and balance. Comprehensive wellness programs cater to various health needs, including weight management, skin care, and chronic illness management.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Barberyn Ayurveda Resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its operations. The resort’s sustainability initiatives align seamlessly with the goals of Biodiversity Sri Lanka, making BSL membership a natural and harmonious partnership.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The resort has implemented a robust waste management system, categorizing waste as degradable and non-degradable. Non-degradable waste is further sorted into plastic, iron, and glass, with plastic cans repurposed to grow plants in the nursery. Organic waste is recycled into compost and biogas, while non-degradable waste is sold for recycling. These efforts not only reduce waste but also promote a circular economy, aligning with BSL’s mission to promote sustainable resource management.
Go Green to Breathe Clean
With 80% of the land covered in greenery, predominantly herbal plants, Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital is a verdant oasis. The resort maintains a herbal plant nursery to supply medicinal plants for Ayurvedic treatments and propagation. This green coverage not only enhances the resort’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to biodiversity conservation, a core focus of BSL.
Live Under Eco-Friendly Shelters
The resort’s buildings are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring natural ventilation to reduce the need for air conditioning and minimizing the use of plastics in construction. Most furniture is made from wood, further reducing the resort’s environmental footprint. These eco-friendly practices align with BSL’s goal of promoting sustainable building and construction practices.
Sustainability Through Renewable Energy
Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital has embraced renewable energy by installing solar panels for electricity generation. With a goal to meet the entire energy requirement through solar power by 2025, the resort is making significant strides towards reducing its carbon footprint. This commitment to renewable energy aligns with BSL’s mission to promote clean and sustainable energy solutions.
Path to Vegetarian – Take Extinction Off Your Plate
The resort has made efforts to minimize meat consumption due to its environmental impact, promoting a predominantly vegetarian diet. Innovative cooking methods are used to reduce edible food waste, further contributing to sustainability. These initiatives resonate with BSL’s focus on sustainable food systems and reducing the environmental impact of food production.
Sustainable Procurement
Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital sources eco-friendly products and materials, supporting local suppliers and producers to reduce the carbon footprint of hotel operations. This commitment to sustainable procurement aligns with BSL’s goal of promoting environmentally responsible business practices.
Clean Ocean for Healthy Joy
The resort conducts daily beach clean-up sessions to keep the shore free from plastics, contributing to marine conservation. This initiative aligns with BSL’s focus on protecting marine ecosystems and promoting clean oceans.
Environmental Education
Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital provides training and awareness programs for staff, guests, and the local community. Webinars, workshops, and seminars on sustainable tourism and the usage of indigenous medicine further promote environmental education. These efforts align with BSL’s mission to raise awareness and educate stakeholders on biodiversity conservation.
Environmental Conservation Projects
The resort is actively involved in mangrove conservation in the Didduwa area, tree planting initiatives, and maintaining medicinal plantations over 50 acres. These projects promote reforestation, combat climate change, and enhance biodiversity, aligning with BSL’s focus on habitat restoration and conservation.
Science for Every Single Bit of Nature
Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital has constructed wastewater treatment and biogas production plants using scientific approaches. Water used for consumption is tested every three months to ensure safety. These initiatives align with BSL’s mission to promote scientific research and innovation in environmental conservation.
Awards and Recognition
- Presidential Environmental Award 2024 – (Silver Award in Hotel Sector)
- Presidential Environmental Award 2023 – (Merit Award in Hotel sector)
- Presidential Environmental Award 2022 – (Merit Award in Hotel sector)
A Vision for the Future
As Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts joins Biodiversity Sri Lanka, it is a testament to their shared vision of a sustainable future. The resort’s holistic approach to well-being, combined with their commitment to environmental stewardship, makes them a valuable partner in BSL’s mission to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
Barberyn Ayurveda Resort’s membership in Biodiversity Sri Lanka is a natural alignment of values and goals. Their dedication to authentic Ayurvedic healing, sustainable practices, and environmental conservation makes them a beacon of sustainable wellness. As they continue to lead by example, Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts and Biodiversity Sri Lanka will work together to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
For further information, please visit the Barberyn Ayurveda Resort’s website: https://www.barberynresorts.com
