Expolanka sets up biodiversity corridors in Hiniduma
Continuing its efforts in uplifting biodiversity in Sri Lanka,
leading conglomerate Expolanka Holdings PLC joined The Hiniduma Tree
Planting Initiative with Carbon Consulting Company (CCC) and Rainforest
Rescue International (RRI) to help preserve the rainforests of the
country.
Recognized as one of the finest biodiversity hotspots in the world,
Sri Lanka is blessed with a flagship ecosystem, similar to the likes of
Malayan peninsula rainforests. However, due to continuous deforestation,
disintegration for agricultural purposes and illegal logging of timber,
only 4% of the country's rainforest cover is said to be remaining.
(From Left) signing of the agreement for the Hiniduma Project by
Sanith Wijeyeratne – Chief Operating Officer, Carbon Consulting
Company, Paddy Weerasekera – Head of Marketing, Corporate
Communications & CSR, Expolanka Holding PLC, Sajeeth Ilyas -
Senior Executive – CSR, Expolanka Holdings PLC. |
The initiative announced on World Environment Day will look at
setting up a biodiversity corridor between the two large remnant
disturbed rainforest patches - Singharaja and Kanneliya and to conserve
buffer zones around the forest edges using the 'Analog Forestry'
concept. This project will plant over 1,000 trees initially. As the area
surrounding the rainforests is located in the Hiniduma area, the project
is titled 'Hiniduma Bio Link Corridor '
Expolanka's Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and CSR,
Paddy Weerasekera said, "Being in the forefront of biodiversity projects
such as this, Expolanka looks at improving not only the environment but
the connecting sources such as communities around the area. As a
secondary objective, the project aspires to augment the livelihoods of
traditional communities living in close proximity to tracts of natural
forest where biodiversity is high, but under imminent threat. We have
identified and approached farmers in the forest-edge communities along
the Kanneliya Reserve buffer zone to work with in this unique project".
Weerasekera noted that the long term project adopts a 'payments for
Ecosystem Services' model where participating farmers will receive
staged payments in return for looking after the trees. Participants are
paid a monthly amount for every tree that they continue to preserve for
the duration of the project which is 20 years.
"The word SUSTAINABILITY is no longer just a "buzzword" in corporate
parlance" says COO of The Carbon Consulting Company - Sanith de S.
Wijeyeratne "Worldwide, an increasing number of global companies are
taking cognizance of the dire need to integrate sustainability and
environmental consciousness in their day to day operations. We are
greatly encouraged by Expolanka's support of this unique bio-diversity
project and we hope it paves the way for many other local corporates to
step up to the plate".
"Expolanka Holdings PLC aspires to be a leader in developing long
term sustainability in the communities it operates in. The CSR practices
is intertwined to the operations of the business and targets delivering
social, economic and environmental benefits to employees, communities
and other stakeholders. Over the years the company has initiated several
long term and short term CSR initiatives, and will continue to do the
same in the future." Weerasekera added.
Expolanka was also the first and only Sri Lankan Freight and
Logistics company to obtain the Carbon Neutral Certification and a first
in Asia.
Also, in its CSR portfolio is Expo Medix - a low cost medical clinic,
free health camps and awareness programs on health and diseases, degree
scholarship programmes, disaster relief, infrastructure development,
food programs and environmental initiatives, including World Water Day,
Earth Hour and Environment Day activities.
All CSR projects are focused on five areas - health, education,
environment, community development and disaster relief covering most of
the societal needs of the country and thus establishing Expolanka as a
corporate citizen working for a better tomorrow. |