Introducing the BSL LIFE Series: Leading Initiatives for Environment and Sustainability

In today’s world, where environmental sustainability is both a global priority and a pressing need, businesses are expected to lead by example. Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) recognizes this urgency and provides its members with a powerful platform to address environmental challenges in a meaningful way. Through our LIFE Series (Leading Initiatives for Environment), BSL connects, empowers, and inspires member companies to adopt sustainable practices that support biodiversity and make a tangible impact on the ground.

What is the LIFE Series?

The LIFE Series is a suite of carefully designed initiatives that provide BSL members with resources, opportunities, and guidance to advance their sustainability efforts. It’s more than a program – it’s a journey where businesses from various sectors can learn, innovate, and act collectively. The LIFE Series emphasizes collaborative action, knowledge sharing, and hands-on engagement with pressing environmental issues in Sri Lanka.

While understanding the broad benefits of reversing the trend in environmental degradation, most companies are reluctant to begin intervening in natural ecosystem restoration as this requires specialised knowledge and long-term involvement. BSL has recognised the fact that such businesses need technical support as well as assistance in liasing with government stakeholders. Using many years of experience in facilitating field-based interventions and leveraging on the strong relationship built with the public sector in Sri Lanka, BSL has now packaged its field activities to offer the LIFE Series of projects to the private sector.

The LIFE Series currently comprises of five pathways for corporate involvement in nature-positive environmental interventions at a national level:

1. Life to Our Forests (LOF) – Restoration of a degraded fern land in the Kanneliya Forest Reserve in collaboration with the Forest Department and IUCN with the objective of creating a legacy of conservation for generations to come by preserving the biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s rainforests.
2. Life to Our Mangroves (LOM) – Restoration of mangrove ecosystems to showcase private sector engagement in achieving national biodiversity conservation and climate action goals. This project promotes Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves (ANRM) to increase carbon sequestration and boost ecosystem services of degraded mangrove ecosystems in collaboration with Wayamba University and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
3. Life to Our Coral Reefs (LOCR) – This is an initiative of Biodiversity Sri Lanka to showcase private sector commitment to conserve Sri Lanka’s blue resources. In collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, IUCN and the Blue Resources Trust, the project empowers local communities to adopt sustainable practices that safeguard vital ocean resources.
4. Life to Our Beaches (LOB) – By empowering local communities – particularly women – to take care of their beaches as a viable livelihood option, this project provides a pathway for the private sector to protect Sri Lanka’s shores with the support of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).
5. Life to Our National Parks (LONP) – This is a collaborative initiative of Biodiversity Sri Lanka to showcase private sector engagement in enriching wildlife habitats. The project engages surrounding communities in the removal of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) in national parks by supporting livelihoods that restore wildlife habitats. This is a collective effort of BSL and the Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO) together with the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Biodiversity Sri Lanka encourages businesses to work closely with government agencies and NGOs through the LIFE Series of projects that focus on providing economic benefits to local communities while safeguarding natural ecosystems. This could include supporting rural livelihoods through sustainable farming initiatives, promoting eco-tourism, or funding biodiversity research.

Each initiative within the LIFE Series addresses specific aspects of biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices, making it possible for companies to choose pathways that align with their unique environmental commitments. The program offers diverse activities, from technical workshops and field training to collaborative projects that bring businesses and conservation experts together.

Why LIFE Series Matters to Businesses

Environmental leadership is now a key component of a company’s reputation and success. In Sri Lanka, consumers, investors, and communities alike are increasingly interested in businesses that demonstrate real commitment to sustainability. The LIFE Series helps member companies integrate sustainable practices into their business models while showcasing these efforts to stakeholders who value responsible business conduct.

By participating in the LIFE Series, companies can:

• Gain Practical Knowledge: The LIFE Series offers workshops, seminars, and resources that equip businesses with practical tools for tackling environmental challenges. From eco-friendly supply chain management to biodiversity conservation strategies, the LIFE Series covers essential skills that help businesses thrive sustainably.
• Build Partnerships: At BSL, we believe in the power of partnerships. LIFE Series initiatives create a space for companies to connect with like-minded businesses, conservationists, and experts. Together, our members share ideas, build solutions, and drive initiatives that extend beyond individual actions to collective impact.
• Demonstrate Accountability: Through regular reporting, impact assessments, and project visibility, BSL members who engage in the LIFE Series can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This accountability is critical in building trust with customers, investors, and communities.
• Make Ground-level Impact: The LIFE Series is designed to generate measurable environmental benefits. Whether through habitat restoration, pollution reduction, or awareness campaigns, each initiative within the series is crafted to make a lasting, positive impact on Sri Lanka’s natural environment.

Key Components of the LIFE Series

The LIFE Series is divided into several key components, each designed to address a different facet of sustainability. Some highlights include:

1. LIFE Talks and Technical Sessions: These sessions bring together industry experts, scientists, and policymakers to discuss the latest developments in biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices. LIFE Talks provide an invaluable learning opportunity for members, helping them stay informed and engaged with global and local environmental trends.
2. Field Projects and Conservation Activities: From coastal clean-ups to forest restoration projects, the LIFE Series organizes hands-on activities where members can contribute directly to the environment. These projects not only offer employees a chance to get involved but also give businesses the opportunity to show their commitment to real, on-the-ground change.
3. Capacity-Building Workshops: BSL offers tailored training sessions for companies that want to strengthen their sustainability initiatives. Topics range from carbon footprint reduction to water conservation, giving businesses the tools they need to enhance their own environmental practices and inspire others in their industry.
4. The LIFE Recognition Program: This program celebrates outstanding contributions to sustainability by recognizing member companies that go above and beyond. The LIFE Recognition Program awards businesses that have shown exceptional dedication to environmental stewardship, highlighting their achievements and motivating others to follow suit.

Success Stories: The LIFE Series in Action

The LIFE Series has already achieved significant results, thanks to the commitment and passion of BSL’s members. For example, our recent reforestation project in Kanneliya has brought together businesses, local communities, and environmental experts to restore degraded forest areas and improve biodiversity. Members who participated in this initiative have seen firsthand the power of collective action and the benefits it brings to both nature and business.

Another success story is the BSL Plastic Waste Reduction Initiative, where companies from various sectors collaborated to reduce single-use plastics in their operations. By sharing best practices and implementing waste reduction measures, these businesses have successfully minimized their environmental impact while demonstrating the benefits of sustainable practices to their employees and clients.

Why Join the LIFE Series?

The LIFE Series is designed for companies that are ready to make a meaningful impact on Sri Lanka’s environment. By joining, you not only gain access to a supportive network of like-minded businesses but also position yourself as a leader in sustainability. Whether you’re looking to improve internal practices, strengthen community relations, or boost your environmental credibility, the LIFE Series offers a pathway to achieving your goals.

At BSL, we understand that sustainability is a journey, and we’re here to support our members every step of the way. By joining the LIFE Series, your company becomes part of a movement that’s reshaping Sri Lanka’s environmental future. Together, we can make a difference that lasts.

Get Involved

If you’re ready to take your sustainability journey to the next level, we invite you to explore the LIFE Series and see how your business can benefit. For more information or to discuss how your company can join, please reach out to us at BSL. Together, let’s lead the way toward a sustainable, biodiverse Sri Lanka.

Private Sector Commitment to Restore Sri Lanka’s Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), in partnership with its members, government bodies, and conservation groups, continues to champion environmental stewardship through innovative restoration projects. One of BSL’s standout initiatives is the Life to Our Mangroves (LOM) project, which is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of vital blue carbon ecosystems in Sri Lanka.

The significance of blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, lies in their ability to sequester large amounts of carbon, thereby playing a crucial role in combating climate change. Mangroves, with their dense root systems, stabilise coastlines, reduce erosion, and provide critical habitats for various species. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka’s mangrove forests have faced severe degradation, especially due to human activities like shrimp farming.

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Planted mangroves

The LOM project, a key example of BSL’s vision for ecological conservation, began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between BSL and the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wayamba University too has come on board providing technical and scientific advice. The initial phase of this ambitious project focused on the restoration of 10 hectares of degraded land within the Anawilundawa Ramsar Wetland Sanctuary in the North Western Province. This sanctuary is a critical habitat for many species, but decades of intensive shrimp aquaculture between the 1980s and 1990s severely disrupted the area’s natural ecosystems. By the late 1990s, the land was abandoned, but the damage from artificial barriers and pond dikes had already interrupted the natural hydrological flows necessary for the area’s regeneration.

With the assistance of the Wayamba University, the project has adopted a science-based approach to restore the natural water flow in the sanctuary. By studying the land’s contours and reintroducing tidal patterns, the project has effectively allowed water levels to regulate naturally, promoting sediment deposition and preparing the land for mangrove growth. As of now, 2.95 hectares have been successfully restored with native mangrove species, and an additional 3.08 hectares are in the process of preparation and planting. Looking forward, BSL plans to rehabilitate 7.9 hectares of land with mangrove associates and dry-zone plant species to recreate the natural ecosystem that once flourished in the area.

The success of the LOM project is largely driven by an impressive public-private partnership model. BSL’s efforts are supported by a growing number of key corporate partners such as Sampath Bank PLC, National Development Bank PLC (NDB), Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB), Dole Lanka (PVT) Ltd, Easwaran Brothers Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Dynawash Limited, Virtusa (Pvt) Ltd, LOLC Finance PLC, Dilmah Conservation, and Amana Bank. These organisations, by signing MOUs with BSL, are actively contributing to the restoration of Sri Lanka’s blue carbon ecosystems. Their involvement demonstrates how private sector engagement can enhance environmental conservation efforts, setting a precedent for future collaborations.

This collective endeavor serves as a powerful model of sustainable partnerships in environmental stewardship. Not only does the project focus on ecosystem restoration, but it also reinforces the importance of corporate responsibility in combating climate change and promoting biodiversity. Through the LOM project, BSL is setting an example of how collaboration between the private sector, government bodies, and conservation organisations can lead to meaningful, long-term environmental impact.

With further restoration efforts on the horizon, the Life to Our Mangroves project is poised to leave a lasting positive imprint on Sri Lanka’s coastal ecosystems, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change.

Reviving Sri Lanka’s Coral Reefs

Biodiversity Sri Lanka is excited to announce the launch of the latest initiative in our “LIFE” series: called “Life to Our Coral Reefs – Project Kayankerni.” Set to commence this quarter, this groundbreaking conservation effort aims to protect the vibrant yet fragile coral ecosystems in Sri Lanka’s Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary, located in the Batticaloa District.

Coral reefs, though covering less than 1% of the world’s oceans, are home to 25% of all marine species. They provide critical ecosystem services such as coastal protection, food, recreation, and livelihoods for local communities. In the Kayankerni area, approximately 37% of the population relies on fishing and related activities for their livelihoods, underscoring the need for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term survival of this ecosystem.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite being one of Sri Lanka’s less disturbed marine environments, Kayankerni Reef faces several challenges. Unsustainable fishing practices, such as bottom-set nets, and the illegal use of explosives outside protected areas are contributing to coral damage and species loss. Agricultural runoff from the Maduru Oya basin, and nutrient-rich effluents from expanding aquaculture further threaten this delicate ecosystem. Without timely intervention, these factors could lead to further degradation of the reef.

In addition to the immediate threats posed by unsustainable fishing and pollution, climate change is emerging as a growing danger to the Kayankerni Reef. Rising sea temperatures are causing coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals lose their vibrant colors and, more critically, their symbiotic algae, which are essential for their survival. This not only weakens the corals but also reduces their ability to support the diverse marine life that depends on them. According to research, even a slight increase in water temperature can trigger widespread bleaching events. Furthermore, ocean acidification, driven by increased carbon dioxide absorption, weakens coral skeletons, making them more susceptible to damage from storms and human activities. Without intervention, these climate-induced pressures could drastically reduce the reef’s resilience, undermining both biodiversity and the livelihoods of the local communities dependent on its health .

Meaningful Partnerships

In partnership with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and Blue Resources Trust (BRT), BSL is spearheading the Life to Our Coral Reefs project as a Nature-based Solution (NbS) to address these threats. The project aims to restore the reef’s ecological balance while enhancing the livelihoods of the surrounding communities. In addition to safeguarding the coral ecosystem, the project will focus on protecting approximately 1,400 acres of mangroves and 20 acres of seagrass meadows, contributing to the overall health of the marine environment.

Guided by the IUCN Global Nature-based Solutions Standard, BSL will undertake baseline monitoring with the BRT under DWC supervision. This science-driven approach will ensure that we deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits, building resilience and promoting ecosystem renewal.

We are pleased to announce that Commercial Bank, Dilmah Tea Company, and Citizens Development Business (CDB) PLC have already come on board as pioneering partners for this initiative. Commercial Bank and Dilmah officially signed agreements at our recent board meeting, while CDB completed their partnership at the BSL’s Annual General Meeting. With these valuable collaborators, BSL is ready to commence this transformative project. Our goal is to secure 10 private sector partners, creating a coalition dedicated to the preservation of Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity.

Come join us for Coral Conservation

As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite more like-minded organizations to join us in safeguarding our coral reefs and ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and people. Join us to create a lasting impact on biodiversity and empower local communities to embrace sustainable practices that ensure the long-term health of the marine environment. Let’s build a coalition of committed partners who are passionate about marine conservation, where each contribution – be it financial support, expertise, or resources – will bring us closer to achieving our collective goals.

Join us in this crucial mission to save the Kayankerni Reef. Your partnership can help shape a brighter future, one where vibrant coral ecosystems thrive, and local communities flourish in harmony with nature. Together, we can foster a sustainable legacy that benefits both the environment and future generations.

The Kanneliya Project’s Milestone Achievement

The Life to Our Forests – Project Kanneliya has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving the prestigious Ecosystem Restoration Standard Award from Preferred by Nature. This recognition, awarded on July 8, 2024, highlights the project’s commitment to sustainable land use and effective ecosystem restoration practices.

A Collaborative Effort

The award ceremony brought together all 15 project partners, including prominent companies like Access Engineering PLC and Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC. Each partner received certificates recognizing their contributions to this significant ecological initiative. The independent verification by Preferred by Nature ensures that all partners’ restoration efforts align with global best practices, enhancing their credibility and attracting further recognition.This collaborative effort not only contributes to local ecological restoration but also plays a vital role in global environmental initiatives. By adhering to the Ecosystem Restoration Standard, project partners can demonstrate their commitment to responsible land management and sustainable business practices, driving positive environmental impacts across the region.

A Bright Future for Ecosystem Restoration

The success of the Kanneliya Project serves as an inspiring example of how effective partnerships and rigorous standards can lead to meaningful ecological restoration. With the recent recognition from Preferred by Nature, this initiative not only showcases the importance of sustainable land use practices but also highlights Sri Lanka’s leadership role in the global movement for ecosystem restoration.

As we celebrate this achievement, it is clear that continued collaboration and adherence to best practices will be essential for sustaining our forests and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. Let us build on this momentum, inspiring others to join the cause and contribute to the vital work of restoring our ecosystems.

Join the Wave: Let’s Keep Sri Lanka’s Beaches Beautiful

The “Life to Our Beaches” project, initiated by Biodiversity Sri Lanka and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), is an inspiring initiative dedicated to preserving and cleaning Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastal areas. This annual project focuses on enhancing the cleanliness and ecological health of our beaches, ensuring they remain pristine and welcoming for both residents and tourists.

This year, the project has received an exciting boost with the Citizen Development Bank (CDB) joining as a new partner, demonstrating their commitment to environmental conservation. Together, we aim to make a significant impact on three major beach areas: Dehiwala, Wellawatta and Mt. Lavinia.

The “Life to Our Beaches” initiative is not only about removing waste but also about educating the public on the importance of protecting our marine environment. The combined effort of BSL, MEPA, and CDB is expected to inspire more organisations and communities to participate in maintaining these beautiful coastlines. By bringing together the expertise and resources of these organizations, the project is set to make a lasting difference, ensuring that our beaches remain safe and clean.

As we continue to expand our efforts, we invite more private sector companies to join us in this vital mission. Your participation can significantly amplify our impact, fostering a collective commitment to safeguarding our coastlines. Together, we can champion sustainable practices, inspire community engagement, and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. Join us in making a difference today!

Revitalising Our Parks for Wildlife Restoration

The “LIFE to Our National Parks” (LONP) project is making significant strides in restoring the biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s Lunugamvehera National Park, a crucial sanctuary for wildlife and a key migratory route for elephants. This ambitious initiative focuses on reversing the damaging effects of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS), which have overrun large portions of the park, drastically affecting the habitat and feeding grounds for herbivores. Two of the most problematic species targeted by this project are Lantana camara (commonly known as Gandapana) and Eupatorium odoratum (Podi Singho Maran), both notorious for their aggressive spread and ability to choke out native vegetation, threatening the park’s delicate ecological balance.

The project is spearheaded by the Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEO) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), under the broader umbrella of Biodiversity Sri Lanka’s mission to enhance the vitality of the nation’s protected areas. These restoration efforts began in 2021, with manual removal methods aimed at eliminating Lantana camara and Eupatorium odoratum from large areas of the park, allowing native flora to regenerate. Early results have been encouraging, with native grasses returning and wildlife like elephants and deer rediscovering their natural feeding grounds.

Entry of the Champions

A major success for the LONP project has been the involvement of private sector partners. HNB Assurance (HNBA) was the first corporate entity to join the project in November 2023, funding the clearing of 15 hectares of invasive plants. By January 2024, the initial phase was complete, and HNBA committed to supporting the restoration of an additional 15 hectares, bringing their total contribution to 30 hectares of habitat revitalization. Their involvement has been a critical component in restoring essential feeding grounds for elephants and other herbivores, which is also helping to reduce human-wildlife conflict in nearby communities.

Following HNBA’s lead, DIMO Lanka recently joined the LONP project as a new partner, further strengthening the initiative by committing to restore another 15 hectares of land. With the inclusion of DIMO Lanka’s contribution, the total area under restoration now stands at 45 hectares, showcasing the expanding influence of the LONP project. This collaborative approach, involving both public and private sector stakeholders, reflects a growing recognition of the need for concerted efforts to address environmental degradation in Sri Lanka’s national parks.

Multiple Impacts

The project’s impact extends beyond environmental restoration. Local communities, many of whom were adversely affected by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, have benefited from employment opportunities created by the project. Around 60 workers from nearby villages have been involved in the labor-intensive process of manually removing the invasive plants, providing them with a stable source of income. This not only uplifts the livelihoods of these communities but also fosters a sense of environmental stewardship among local residents.

The removal of IAPS is also crucial in addressing the ongoing human-elephant conflict in the region. As invasive species have taken over key habitats, elephants have been forced to move beyond park boundaries in search of food, often resulting in damage to crops and conflict with local farmers. By restoring the park’s natural feeding grounds, the LONP project aims to reduce these conflicts and create a more harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.

A Transformative Initiative

As we celebrate the achievements of the “LIFE to Our National Parks” project, we recognise that meaningful change is only possible through collaboration. We invite more private sector companies to join this transformative initiative and contribute to the restoration of Sri Lanka’s precious ecosystems. Your partnership can amplify our efforts to revitalise Lunugamvehera National Park, enhance biodiversity, and support local communities affected by environmental challenges. Together, we can create a sustainable future where wildlife thrives, and local livelihoods prosper. Join us in making a lasting impact – your involvement is key to nurturing the natural heritage of Sri Lanka!

10 Best National Parks of Sri Lanka:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U-4lenJ9Do

BSL and IUCN present a Succession Plan for LIFE – Kanneliya at its Annual Technical Session 3

BSL and IUCN shared the plan for the continuation of the LIFE Kanneliya project for a further 5 years. In the continuation phase, much of the focus will be on facilitating ecological succession. In addition, monitoring activities will be carried out to measure progress made in ecological succession. All partnering companies were invited to continue supporting the LIFE Journey to ensure that the site is a fully functional ecosystem in the long run.

Under the theme of “be a part of breathing new life into reality”, with the enthusiastic participation of over 75 members and invitees, as a part of its Annual Technical Sessions, BSL conducted an event to demonstrate successful examples of ecological restoration with particular emphasis on its LIFE – Kanneliya Project on November 2, 2022, at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies. This was the 3^rd segment of BSL’s Annual Technical Sessions – 2022/23.

At the outset, Mr. Mahesh Nanayakkara, Director of Biodiversity Sri Lanka & CEO, of Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB), enlightened participants on the Value of Building Partnerships in Conservation (SDG 17). He provided some great examples from the CDB portfolio where partnerships have contributed to advancing the Bank’s conservation agenda. He reiterated the point that the LIFE partnership is unique as it consists of over 14 corporate partners some of which are competitors in the market. Renowned scientist, Dr Rohan Pethyagoda shared his story of a quarter century of experience in restoring montane forest ecosystems in Sri Lanka.  A documentary video on the LIFE Project was launched at the event for the benefit of participants. Prof. Devaka Weerakoon, Technical Expert of the LIFE Project, and Naalin Perera, Project Manager, IUCN Sri Lanka eloquently presented the results of the LIFE Project’s restoration efforts.

Our LIFE Journey commenced in 2016 with fifteen private sector companies coming together with Biodiversity Sri Lanka, to restore a 12-ha patch of degraded forest land in the Kanneliya Forest Reserve, under the able guidance of the Forest Department, with technical support of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The current phase is now in its 5^th year of implementation. The site is best described as a degraded rainforest, cleared for cultivation and subsequently abandoned resulting in the colonization by the pioneer fern species Dicranopteris linearis (Kekilla). This highly degraded patch will be restored using principles of restoration ecology to enhance its ecological functions, habitat quality, species diversity, and its capacity to provide biodiversity and ecosystem services – in a close approximation to what prevailed before it was converted to its present state. The project will develop a biodiversity credit accrual system for Sri Lanka with the objective of assigning a unit value for enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem services.

After years of astute planning, rigorous implementation, and monitoring, despite multiple challenges, the site has shown remarkable progress. At the culmination of the fourth year of field implementation, in April 2022, over 18,000 plants from 46 native species have been introduced including Hora, Wal Del, Bata Domba, Alu bo, Naa, Pelan, and Diyapara. Native shrub species of Maha bovitiya and Veraniya have emerged naturally after the systematic removal of the invasive Kekilla. Exotic species such as Alstonia have been observed alongside the native shrub species. Despite, Alstonia being invasive, it will be maintained at the site to obtain shade and to increase the soil carbon levels. Some of the naturally occurring pioneer plant species include Milla, Kekuna, Kenda, and Geduma.

Several new animal species, which were not recorded during the initial baseline study, are now on-site. The Brown shrike (Lanius cristatus), Jungle nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus), and the Ceylon frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger) naturally occurring in scrublands and shrub jungles, now call the site their home. Some areas have reached the second and third succession stages of forest regeneration, containing shrubs and small trees. This new succession structure attracts animal species, which play a significant role as seed dispersants. A massive total of 90 animal species have been recorded to date. This includes 4 species of land snails, 9 species of dragonflies, 14 species of butterflies, 6 amphibian species, 12 reptile species, 35 avian, and 10 mammal species.