Initiative launched to train 6,500 green entrepreneurs for mangrove conservation

An initiative has been launched to prepare 6,500 young green entrepreneurs across 64 DS Divisions with maritime boundaries in the country, focusing on the sustainable exploitation of by-products from mangroves and other ecosystem services, according to a press release.

Titled the Green Entrepreneurs for Mangroves in Sri Lanka (GEMS) programme, the initiative is collaboratively driven by iLEAD International Academy, Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), and the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF). It operates under the guidance of the Senior Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Climate Change and is supported by various divisions of the Ministry of Environment and other relevant ministries and government authorities.

The responsibilities of green entrepreneurs will include preserving, protecting, and restoring mangrove quality in their respective areas. The programme plans to invest USD 3.5 million, aiming to generate an annual local income of USD 26 million in the underprivileged coastal regions of the country.

The release highlighted that Ruwan Wijewardene, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change, underscored the vital need to harmonize economic development with environmental conservation. Ravi Pratap Singh, Managing Director of iLEAD International Academy, has pledged to identify, mobilize, and train 6,500 youth in Sri Lanka’s coastal areas. Thushira Raddella, Chairman of COYLE, committed to mentoring emerging green entrepreneurs through their new Entrepreneurship Development Centre. Dr. Rupesh Bhomia of CIFOR-ICRAF has pledged ongoing technical support for the initiative.

Earlier this month, stakeholders gathered at an event called The Big Lunch, inspired by similar events organized by the Eden Projects in the UK to promote mangrove restoration. The event brought together a diverse group, including government representatives, UN agencies, business chambers, international and national NGOs, environmentalists, academic and research institutions, community practitioners, and youth. More than 70 participants generated over 30 actionable ideas to ensure real impact from this program on the ground.

The GEMS programme is scheduled to commence on-ground activities in September 2024. It aims to directly support over 32,000 people and reach roughly half of the country’s population (around 10 million). This initiative is anticipated to generate an annual revenue of Rs 7,860 million (USD 26 million), significantly boosting the income of families in underdeveloped coastal regions.