HSBC funds Sinharaja bio-monitoring program

by Ramani Kangaraarachchi

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation embarked on a new environmental project in the Sinharaja rainforest known as the Sinharaja Forest Youth Bio-monitoring Program. The estimated cost of the project would be Rs. 900,000 for a period of two years.

The program comprises a creative and integrated agenda which would ensure a cost effective, replicable system of monitoring soil and water quality, the use of resources and biodiversity, while simultaneously providing a unique educational opportunity to the schools in the resource strapped buffer zone.

HSBC has joined with Sewa Lanka Foundation to revitalise and preserve the rich natural heritage and they would facilitate curriculum design, provide teacher training and basic equipment, co-ordinate the analysis of soil and water samples and support community exhibitions and information fairs where the students will be able to present their work.

This program would be initiated in four schools near the Kalawana entrance to the forest.

This program will also complement on-going conservation activities in the Sinharaja buffer zone. It is connected with a youth art program where art students can participate in the creation and design of the community exhibitions and fairs.

The program would also support the sustainable tea cultivation program and the numerous reforestation projects that have been implemented in the area.

Furthermore students and HSBC staff will measure the impact of soil quality, erosion and water quality and assess the growth and survival rates of seedlings in the reforestation plots CEO, HSBC David J.H. Griffiths said that awareness and understanding is the first step towards protecting the present and future of the country.