The Environment Programme (Id 5092)

(Formally the Environmental Disaster Management Programme EDMP)

Sri Lanka

INTRODUCTION

Most of environment disasters are happening in this period. After affecting the Tsunami catastrophe, CHA started

post Tsunami rehabilitation program naming EDMP. The target area and groups for this programme initially focused

on ten (10) tsunami affected districts and tsunami affected communities, schools, and individuals within these

districts. The program was conducted towards target groups such as schools, civic society, and small associations

and individuals. This was in keeping with the initial proposal‟s belief that public citizens themselves must take on

the responsibility to follow environmentally sound practices in day to day life. In addition a strong liaison with

relevant public/government bodies was deemed necessary and so this partnership was fostered in our targeted

projects and general partnership building scenarios (Table 1). This all the environment interventional practices were

launched throughout the island, in order to prevent from natural disasters and promote mitigation measures, since

2006 this planed all the practices were implemented correctly and post monitoring and maintenance are also

completed on time. But some of difficulties in monitoring, logistics and often wastefulness of resources by some of

the grantees it was decided that instead of continuing with a second Small Grant Scheme, chosen successful

candidates within districts were taken on as long term partners of the overall programme.

Overall the programme has achieved its goals by implementing the planned inputs that were initially set forth at the

beginning of the programme. Delays in the later part of the time period (2010) resulted in some actions being

cancelled or delayed in implementation. As time and experience was gained over the years the programme further

added and altered some of the initial inputs so as to achieve more long term successful outcomes. The change of

implementation of the Small Grants Scheme (SGS) after its initial phase, the addition of project action types and

locations are some examples of these changes. All were organically realized over the course of conducted work and

such adaptations are what allowed for the high percentage of success of this environment programme.

Main Objectives

1. Raise overall awareness on natural disasters affecting Sri Lanka/ecological empowerment

2. Increase local community/Civic society involvement in environmental management

3. Regenerate natural protective barriers along the coast and other fragile systems

Narrative Objectives

Awareness campaign on natural disasters – their signs, effects and preventive measures

Specific activities to encourage communal ecological sensitiveness –Home gardens/ plant Nurseries, Grant

scheme and special local projects; waste management practices focussed on latterly

Replanting, regeneration of natural vegetation in tsunami affected districts, other habitat improvement

measures.

Abbreviation of the Districts Activity

Table1: Description of projects by district including temporal phase and project type. In total 38 projects across 10

districts are detailed.

Project types:

A = awareness

Regarding to this, waste management, Organic planting, environment forum, Home gardening, Disaster

Management, Re-greening awareness are conducted throughout the selected ten districts.

B = technical guidance

We have qualified technical team on staff we don‟t need to outsource this important requirement which has allowed

some of our projects to reduce their budgets and has made project monitoring easier and more reliable. Under this

programme, Mushroom cultivation, Nursery management, Home gardening techniques practiced with selected

groups. We go beyond simply showing how a productive garden can be set up and managed in small urban patches

by providing technical expertise pertaining to maximizing space use, avoiding seasonal flooding, biological pest

control, mixed planting, effective utilization of sun and shade etc.

C = re-greening for carbon offset

This re greening planting programme planed to aware of the community group, School children and soldiers for the

planting and provide to knowledge importance of the planting and their biological characters in the

environment.There are seven sites which are, The five CDC schools in Matara, an army camp in Kalutara and a

community project in Hambantota. Over the past few years the importance of trees as carbon sinks has become

widely understood and with a steadily warming climate the impetus to plant trees widely has grown. Despite the

emphasis on carbon offsetting, trees provide a host of other benefits, both tangible and intangible. The avenue

planting program more effective for reduces vehicle temperatures allowing them to operate more efficiently and

cools driver tempers. Trees also can provide fruit and flowers for urban and rural wildlife and an aesthetic pleasure

to people. Eight projects spread across six districts are focused on this expansion of green space in partnership with

a variety of stakeholders.

D = Waste management

The Environment Programme provided the technical guidance to implementation of the proper waste management

systems in their own places. The Schools, Community groups and Hospitals are main target groups in the

programme. These targeting groups are aware for the 3R implementation, implementation of well waste

management system as well as reduce the consumption. The 3R web site provides the information regarding to the

waste management. Environment Programme staff gave presentations and demonstrate describe the compost

preparation practices for production of the compost by using the degradable things which are from the premises.

E = Organic planting

This is because one of our primary aims is to promote organic methods of planting and the importance and

possibilities inherent in gardening. Sri Lanka has a long history of traditional home gardens which include a wide

variety of fruit trees, spices, vegetables, timber species, shade trees and wildlife habitat. We are eager to exhibit this

system which provides a valuable income source to garden owners as well food security while being ecologically

sustainable and beneficial to wildlife. Often, particularly in more urban environments knowledge regarding how to

implement these types of gardens (or variations of them) is lacking. Therefore our display gardens, town gardens,

therapeutic garden, backyard gardens and indigenous medicinal garden provide a variety of examples about how

small plots can be efficiently used. Since these gardens are actually established, the awareness component is taken a

step further and actually translated into action.

F = Sustainable use

At the centre of all of our efforts, in fact our guiding ethos is the notion of sustainability. Working within the

boundaries set by nature and trying to ensure that our practices don‟t overburden ecological systems and in fact, if

possible, strengthen those systems is something that we strive towards. As such we seek out and encourage groups

and individuals who are trying to incorporate these environmentally sensitive strategies into their livelihoods or

practices.

G = Habitat restoration.

Overall four (4) coastal sites, one mangrove site and numerous smaller forest regeneration sites was the successful

outcome of the overall regeneration actions of the Environment Programme. The initial phase of a long term

ongoing pinus removal and reforestation project in the Kandy district was also supported under this initiative in the

last phase of the programme. The mangrove project was extended from an initial SGS project to a district project;

once the potential for long term intervention was realized and due to the dedication of the local organization

volunteers this project was upgraded from a simple post tsunami habitat regeneration project to a larger scale

education and awareness and long term restoration project with potential for eco tourism to sustain the project.

District Project description Project type

Colombo 1. Environment Forum

2. 3R campaign

3. 3R website

4. Greening of Drive Green Vehicle Emission Testing Stations - phase 1

5. Waste Management “Pivithuru pasal” wall painting 2009 and 2010 awareness

6. Greening with Colombo Municipal Council- phase 1

7. Theraputic gardens in Angoda Hospital and Mulleriawa mental hospital

A

A

A, B

C

A, B, D

C

A, B, E

Kalutara 1. Display Garden -phase 2

2. Mushroom Cultivation using saw dust and rice husk waste - phase 2

3. Re-greening Tsunami housing schemes - phase 2

4. Establishment of Recyclables Collection Centre

5. Model Garden (Small Grant Scheme project - SGS)

6. Re-greening Army Camp and Adjoining Coastal Belt - phase 2

7. Backyard Gardening at Urumaya Center

A, B, E

B, F

C, G

A, D

G

A, B, G

A, E

Galle 1. Extension/Establishment of Display Home Gardens in 3 MOH offices - phase 1

2. Mangrove restoration, conservation and establishment of Awareness Centre

(Extension project of a successful SGS project)

A, B, E

A, G

Matara CDC - School re-greening programme

Establishment of Organic Garden and Forest Garden in a Dairy Farm

A, B, G

E

Hambantota 1. Coastal Re-greening Project - phase 3

2. Community re-greening programme

3. Organic Model Garden & Plant nursery

4. Establishment of Rain Water Harvesting Tank

5. Rain water harvesting system, organic garden and waste water management

6. Establishment of Indigenous medicinal garden, Ambalantota

7. Environment Cleaning Program - Bundala to Maurapura

G

A, C, G

A, E

F

D, E, F

A, E

G

Ampara 1. Cement Block Production using recycled rubble (SGS)

2. Community Re-greening Project (SGS)

F

C, G

Batticaloa 1. Display Town Garden and Awareness Centre

2. Rain water harvesting

A, B

Trincomalee 1. Re-greening Tsunami resettlements & war affected areas – phase 1 & 2

2. Promoting Organic Home gardening concepts within ten selected gardens (SGS

project)

3. Organic Home gardens x 3 (SGS projects)

4. School Gardening Project at St. Mary's National School

5. School Gardening Project at Aksha Maha Vidiyalaya

C, G

A, E

B, E

A, E

A, E

Vavuniya 1. Waste Management at IDP Camps D

Jaffna 1. Display Garden & Awareness Centre - phase1

2. Forest Garden

A, E

G

Puttalum 1. School regreening A,B,D

Colombo

Environment forum

This forum usually runs every last Friday of the month, later it was conducted as a monthly forum focusing

on a wide variety of issues depending upon what is topical at the time. Climate change, waste management,

environment management ect. This forum continues to be well attended and provides a much-needed stage

upon which the numerous, often disparate actors presently involved in environment work in the country can

get together and discuss pressing issues. These encourages are interacting between partners and their

organizations. This all the presentations and lesions conducted by the expertise in the country.

Latest -2011October (Fig…)

Jaffna

3R Campaign

Waste management is no longer an issue that can be ignored in Sri Lanka and we are happy to be at the

forefront of the change in thinking that is required to tackle this challenging issue. Our decision to launch

an island-wide Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R) campaign is well timed as both government and the private

sector are getting on board and recognizing the immediacy of the problem and importance of sustainable

solutions. This reporting period saw the completion of the overall design, layout, content and placement of

this targeted 3R awareness building campaign. It was decided to run the awareness inserts similar to an

advertising campaign in the national newspapers as market research shows that such campaigns are

extremely successful in reaching the general public. A striking green layout with a cartoon-style mascot

was created as a common theme to accompany this campaign

3R website & newsletter

To complement the newspaper campaign, we are utilizing a different medium in the hopes of reaching a

wider general audience. As well in 2010 a campaign called „Clean Up Sri Lanka‟ was created and

launched. A dedicated website for the 3R system (www.3rlanka.lk) was created, special information

banners focusing on waste management were designed for public display and a civic volunteer group

formed to continue the actions of „Clean up Sri Lanka‟ at the end of EPs‟ launch of the project. The launch

of the public component of this project was conducted at Independence Square in Colombo, where an all

day programme was conducted. Active and passive awareness stalls, plants for sale, subsidized household

government compost bins made available, being some of the major components of this launch. A full clean

up of garbage in the area by volunteers of Clean Up Sri Lanka together with sorting of material for

recycling being taken by divided trucks provided by Abans Environmental was also conducted. Sections of

the sorted material were also displayed for public viewing so as to help them better understand what could

be recycled in the local context

(a) (b) (c)

(a & b)-One of the national newspaper articles and an advertorial

focusing on the 3R concept, all published in the three local languages ;( C) 3R Sticker for vehicles

Waste management- wall painting programme 2009

This was conducted in collaboration with the Waste Management Authority (WMA) in the Western

Province, the province in need of the most management of waste due to high output, a large awareness and

outreach campaign was launched. This included radio jingles, newspaper advertorials and articles focusing

on the 3R system of waste management and the local system available for all citizens

As a partner organization CHA was implemented in new partnership with WMA throughout the western

province with school wall painting and waste sorting and training being systematically provided waste

management awareness wall painting programme selecting the ten winner schools that are the awarded in

2009.The wall painting programme was conducted under the supervision of EP team and the WMA waste

management team. Picturesque pictures were drawn by each groups of the schools and displayed on school

walls

It was Conducted final evaluation by the support of Zonal education director, WMA programme

coordinator, EP project Manager and EP project coordinator of CHA. Concluding the results of the

evaluation it was selected the best tree schools and best three groups. Finally arranging the awarding

ceremony offered certificate for all the actively participants for the waste management programme in each

schools (fig….) and awarded them for motivation (Fig….).

Schools

Katunayaka RCKV-Katunayaka

Prajapathi Girls College-Horan

Agamethi BMV-Panadura

Wadduwa CC-Wadduwa

Uggaboda MV-Kalutar

Good Sheperd Girls College-Nayakakanda

Gurukula Vidyalaya-Kelaiya

Weera Wijayaba MV-Delgoda

Magalegoda MV- Veyangoda

(Final Evaluation summary)

Waste management- awareness programme 2010

Conducted six waste management awareness programs

Distributed compost bins, waste separation bins in three colors, leaflet distributed

(Fig…)

List of Schools- Moranthuduwa M.V, Ambathale Tkirikumara Vidyalaya, Mahamathya

Vidyalaya, Darmadarshi Primary school, Nalanda balika Vidyalaya,Sri Rahula Maha vidyalaya

School name Grou

p 01

Group

02

Group

03

Grou

p 04

Group

05

Group

06

Net Average

Marks of

School %

Remarks

Gurukula Collage Kelaniya 68% 78% 74% 50% 72% - 68.4% Third

Agamathi Balika Maha Viddyalaya 50% 62% 74% 72% 64% - 64.4%

Good Shephed Balika M.V. 76% 68% 78% 90% 66% - 75.6% First

Wadduwa Central Collage 50% 80% 56% 76% 68% 78% 67.9% Fourth

Uggalboda Maha Viddyalaya 32% 46% 44% 46% 60% - 45.6%

Udupila Weera Vijayaba M. V. 78% 80% 46% 54% 46% - 60.8%

Magalegoda Maha Viddyalaya 50% 68% 67% - - - 64%

Horana Prajapathi Balika M.V 80% 64% 64% 70% - - 69.5% Second

Ananda M. V.Minuwangoda 52% 42% 60% - - - 51.3%

Katunayeka Romanu Katholika V. 53% 28% 71% 66% 63% 46% 54.3%

Education Devision List of schools

Colombo Kanapathy Hindu Ladies Maha Vidyalaya

COLOMBO - SOUTH SRI PARAKRAMABAHU M.V.

Colombo Central Clifton Balika Maha Vidyalaya

Colombo-South Sujatha Balika Vidyalaya

Kelaniya Vihara Maha Devi Balika Vidyalaya

Kelaniya Helena Wijayawardana Balika Maha Vidyalaya

Kelaniya Kelaniya Maha Vidyalaya

Kolonnawa Sri Rahula Maha Vidyalaya

Kolonnawa Ambathale Tikiri Kumara Vidyalaya

Kaduwela Mahamathya Vidyalaya

Kaduwela Malabe Boy's Model School

Kesbewa Hermann Gneiner School

Kesbewa Ananda Samarakoon Vidyalaya

Bandaragama Bandaragama Central College

Horana Gamini Central College

Panadura St. Anthoney's Balika Maha Vidyalaya

Mahara Kadawatha Central College

Mahara Dharmadarshi Primary School

Ja-Ela Basilica Maha Vidyalaya

Katana Vidyaloka Maha Vidyalaya

Minuwangoda Nalanda Balika Vidyalaya

Minuwangoda Marapola Maha Vidyalaya

Beruwala Diyalagoda Maha Vidyalaya

Beruwala Bandaranayake Maha Vidyalaya

Kalutara Moronthuduwa Dharmananda Primary School

All the waste management awareness programmes was completed by Waste Management Authority

According to the our agreement we need to provide bins for them

186000/= it was covered doing six schools programme and wall painting awarded programme

2*186000/= for 16 schools remaining (but these are completed by WMA without our contribution)

Waste management

The projects at the Elizabeth Moir School in Colombo and Panadura both involve awareness

components in conjunction with the main recycling effort in order to expand beyond the act of

recycling to enlighten students and community members about the importance of separated waste

management.

St,peters College waste management awareness programme

- Waste bins distributed in three colour

- Conducted Compost preparation practical session with school labors

Disaster poster

After the tsunami of 2004 it was recognized that there was a general lack of awareness among Sri Lankan

society with regards to recognizing and responding to the natural disasters which affect the island. This

colorful poster depicts the six natural disasters known to affect Sri Lanka, providing information about how

to recognize these events, what to do when confronted with them and how to mitigate potential damage by

being prepared. The posters have now been translated into Sinhala and Tamil and disseminated to all

districts. All schools, relevant institutions and other interested parties will receive free copies of the poster.

Response to the poster has been very positive with the attractive design drawing people in to read the

informative text. The Girl Guides association is utilizing these posters during their various school-related

and training activities. The poster launch was also timely as records indicate an increase in the rate of

natural disasters from floods to landslides to cyclonic winds affecting the island in the past few years.

Therapeutic home garden

Angoda –

COMPORNENT WHICH ARE PROVIDED AND COMPLETED ACTIVITIES

Vegetable garden

Flower beds and plants

Medicinal plants (Lemon, Kohomba,,Jambu, Nuga,Atteria, Naminan, Banana, Delum

,Dehi,Komarika,Murunga,Inguru,Kaha,etc.)

Volleyball pay ground

Compost preparation unit

Bird nest

Resting benches

Gardening instruments (Knife, Mamoty, Crowbar, Hand glows, pork, ect.)

Painting instruments and materials

Patients who are in the hospital are conducted maintenance continually.

Mulleriawa hospital-

Components and completed practices in the hospital

Enhance the number of tree species in the nursery more than 30 tree species

12*12 square feet heap composting unites was established in the vegetable garden (Fig…)

Enhance the cultivation area and planted most plant in that area

Completed planting activity back side of the Hospital (Kohomba,Na,Mango,Jumbu,Avacado,Nelli

Ehala,ect.)(Fig….)

Enhanced the aesthetic value of the ward 22, 20 and 24 (fig…) - Medicinal Plants: Aralu, Bulu,

Nelli,Bovitiya, Rat mal wild species, Pavatta, Aratta, Benduru, Saman Pichcha, Asoka, Hibiscus

sp. Kobo neela, Manel pond, Native Orchids and any other more sp.

Enhanced the aesthetic appearance of the entrance garden (Fig…)

Provided waste separation bins and” Sampath piyasa” unite for waste management

All the post maintenance are conducting by patient in the hospital

It has to be complete Entrance gardening activity

City planting

Climate change is the one of main problem in world wide. So Sri Lankan government going to be change

the attitude of the people for manage this disaster doing more planting through the country

City planting is the one of programme in the urban areas. Collaborating with the Colombo municipal

council this program was conducted in year 2009-2010 periods.

(Five month later)

Vehicle emission testing centers

Considering the present global warming and climate changing conditions CHA environment programme

selected this greening programme collaborating with partner organization called Cleanco Lanka Pvt Ltd.

Two companies are involved in conducting the testing which ironically involves intense engine revving for

short periods of time which produces a permeating burst of exhaust for every vehicle tested. One of these

companies, Cleanco( Drive Green), has entered into a partnership with the Environment Programme to

plant trees at all of their vehicle emission testing facilities in the Western Province. The goal is to provide

an immediate sink for the heavy carbon emissions produced.

Planted more shade forest trees and highly carbon dioxide absorbance trees Six Emission testing stations

planting activities completed and monitored in two times

(Ehela, Kohomba, Na, Atteria, Jumbu,Duranta, Exora, Sal, Nuga, Banboo, ect.)

Compost used for the planting (fig…)

Completed

List of completed stations

Kiribathgoda

Malambe

Kaluthara

Moratuwa

Boralasgamuwa

Kaluthara

Gall

Gampaha

Negambo

Valisara

Colombo office garden

There is a small garden including deferent type of vegetables, Medicinal plants, Foest plants,

aesthetically valuable plants are display for all visitors. Inside degradable waste use for the compost

preparation in the CHA head office.

Compost bin in the office

Kaluthara

Display Garden -phase 2

This display garden saws a utilization and managed in small urban patches by providing technical

expertise pertaining to maximizing space use, avoiding seasonal flooding, biological pest control, mixed

planting, effective utilization of sun and shade etc. These gardens are all organic and as agriculture in Sri

Lanka has tended towards a heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, there is a lack

of knowledge about how to grow without these.

Mushroom Cultivation using saw dust and rice husk waste - phase 2

Technical guidance was provided for the mushroom growth as well as a waste separation system that is to

be utilized at the farm.

Communities/tsunami resettlement centers/schools/army camp

A number of re-greening projects in a variety of locations are ongoing with most plants sourced from our

own nurseries. Each project has had a different set of obstacles to overcome so have been approached

differently. For example the plants at the Modaravilla Housing Scheme in Kalutara needed a high level of

protection because feral buffalo were moving through the area in the night and browsing heavily. The

plants along Deans Road in Colombo were being damaged by schoolchildren requiring an unexpected level

of reinforcement. Both of these interventions have been successful and the plants are now growing well

and have gone beyond the stage at which they are most vulnerable. The CDC schools in Matara have

responded well to the planting initiative and are planning art and essay competitions around the theme of

tree planting.

Establishment of Recyclables Collection Centre

Waste management is the one of massive target considering the other controlling systems. Handing this

target CHA started this collection center project to support for the community, waste management and

generate the small income from waste. This is a central, convenient location where companies and

individuals alike can bring their waste material, eliminating a sizeable obstacle to effective waste

management. In Colombo and surrounds this is changing as we publicize the location of collection centres

through the 3R campaign.

The first part of the project was conducted by patterning with the Arthecharia Foundation at Rathmalana. And

the second part not completed yet.

Activities completed

Beam constructed

Back wall constructed

plastered

(Phase 1 completed activity)

Backyard Gardening at Urumaya Center

This centre has been set up under CHA‟s livelihood initiative support programme. Mainly they are

promoting rice base product and maintained selling center as well. The Environment Programme has

teamed up to ensure overall environmental sustainability of these centre. CHA provided rainwater

harvesting system, waste water management and organic gardening for the encouragement.

Kalutara centre garden

This small urban backyard garden has done well with multiple vegetable harvests already obtained. The mushroom

hut has also been a success and multiple batches have already been sold. Renewal of all mushroom beds is now in

process. Seeds have also been successfully packaged for use in our other programmes and are available to those

visiting the centre/office.

Figure 6. Flourishing vegetable beds at the Kaluthara centre organic garden

Hambanthota

Medicinal Garden Auryurweda central hospital - Hambantota

This medicinal garden was established as a model garden. Most of woody medicinal plants and small bushy

plants are climax in the garden. More than 100 species planted in the garden and at present more than 80%

survive in the garden. It is well maintenance model garden in Hambanthota area.

Kudawella Homegardening project

First phase of that program was completed distributing home gardening instruments and planting materials

for selected 25 families (glows, Hand pork, and Flower water bucket) and conducted compost preparation

practical session to aware people for the organic cultivation. Most of government most of government

officers are participated for the programme. The second phase still remaining for the completion (20

families)

These gardens are all organic and as agriculture in Sri Lanka has tended towards a heavy reliance on chemical

fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, there is a lack of knowledge about how to grow without these. Due to this lack

combined with a growing appreciation for the appeal of organic foods this type of technical knowledge is in

demand.

Thissa Divisional secretariat office rain water harvesting tank

Constructed above partially underground rain water tank

It use for agriculture activities in DS office area

In addition to this we agreed to provide water pump and

another 5000L water tank but that part still remainin

Nadigamvila School project

CHA greening project fulfill its target sucsesfuly doing this project in Nadigamvila school .children are

activively participater for the organic planting activity and maitanace their home garden continuely throu

the year. The school awarded

WTSS Costal re greening project Coastal green belt

Wanasarana Thuru Latha Society (WTSS) in the community based organization.CHA EP Group collaborating with

WTSS group conducted this all the environment related practices for sustainability. Three phases are completed in

planting and gap filling. The Pandanus sp. (over 3500 plants), 1500 beach almond, and 850 coconut plants have

been sucsesfully established.

Coconut planting – G -belt Welipatanvila

100 coconut plants established in to 4 rows of 25 plants each125m of coastal length was used

Green belt – SLS village

Post tsunami schemes habitat enrichment

Hambantota – The Sri Lanka solidarity housing scheme which is one of the schemes within the larger post

tsunami housing complex is situated on the edge of the entire development and as such is close to the scrub

forest that was initially cleared for the building of this complex. This phase of planting has concentrated on

replanting cleared areas along the buffer that are not being utilized for housing thereby re-establishing the

forest and giving greater protection to the residents of this scheme from the elephants that seasonally roam

near.

(50 forest plant Ehala (Cassia fistula) established in the Scheme front side by maximizing landscape value

of the scheme entrance)

Hambantota centre garden

Unfortunately due to frequent moves this garden has had to alter its original make up. We decided therefore to use

this opportunity and set up a mobile style garden where most things are planted in a moveable manner thus enabling

such a garden to be set up just about anywhere (flood prone lands, lack of soil/poor soil areas/small land spaces etc).

This novel concept is now doing well and the garden is becoming fully established.

Hambantota centre organic garden, note the methods and plant types used (trellis and bag method, creeper and

vines) so as to befit the difficult soil conditions.

Gall

Mangrove restoration in Hikkaduwa

Jaffna

Jaffna centre garden

This acreage of garden is now well established with two organic vegetable harvests already sold and additional

organic methods such as liquid compost for planting of new areas was practiced. This garden is now officially

registered as an organic producer and is able to sell under the organic label.

The forest garden, nursery and awareness centre component are also now established and plans to increase the extent

of the forest garden are underway. It is hoped that in time this will become a model garden for all surrounding

farmers and visitors.

Puttalum

School Re-greening

Vavunia

Vavuniya IDP camp

Bio-gas sewage digesting toilet systems were set up in zones 2,3,4 of the sprawling Manik farm internally

displaced persons (IDP) camp. These three sets of three toilets each service the primary health care centres

that were set up by CHA (Figure 2). This sustainable method of sewage treatment will ensure that no

seepage of sewage or requirement for gully sucking is needed. In addition, the water that is produced via

this system is to be used for gardening purposes within the health care compound and the biogas is to be

used for outside toilet lamps. Two large waste separation units for recyclable waste have also been set up

at two of the health care centre compounds while six health centers were provided with medical waste

solutions and relevant equipment.

Figure - An above ground rear view of a biogas toilet unit (3 toilets) showing piping, control box and agri water

production unit; the actual biogas digester is built underground

Kandy

Reforestation

The proposed site, the Dunumadalawa (Wakarawatte) watershed forest, is in the Hantane range and is

approximately 5 square kilometers, bordered by tea, pine forest and villagers. The Dunumadalawa forest

reserve is located in close proximity to Kandy and is the watershed for the town. As such the reserve is

managed by the Kandy Municipal Council‟s Waterworks department.

Objectives

i. Clearing of existing Pinus in a phased manner.

ii. Replanting with native species to allow cleared areas to be restored to as close to natural

conditions as possible.

iii. Monitoring restored areas continuously to ensure success of efforts and adjust efforts accordingl

Activities completed

o Topographical survey of Dunumadalawa forest will be completed.

o It was demarcated area where going to remove the Pinus

o The Nursery was established and person trained for manage the forest nursery and engage in forest

regeneration work.

o Cleared areas will be replanted, managed and monitored to ensure soil conservation measures are

adhered to and the planted trees grow successfully.

o Outreach activities to surrounding communities to increase awareness and support of restoration

goals for the forest patch.

o Countrywide outreach to increase profile of Dunumadalawa forest and restoration activities being

conducted there.

Implementation problems and challenges

Most of government agencies which are costal conservation department, Forest department, Colombo

municipal council, urban development authority, have delayed the approval parts of them. And the privet

sector partner organizations have been slow implementation some of the agreements. And some projects are

delayed as natural obstacles like heavy rain, flood, drought, ect.

In addition to this our some of activities delayed due to changes of the previously planned things, and as a

changes of the places where planed previously..

These are from the collated report

Output summary

1. Dissemination of Awareness Material/programmes

Hazard Posters /Habitat Posters = over 10,000 posters disseminated island wide.

Environment Forums/meeting = approx 17 Colombo based & 10 district based forums / meetings and ~ 5

training workshops held across the targeted districts

School programmes = a total of 100 active participation programmes across districts on value of

habitats,planting,waste management,disasters, ecological living.

Community/civil society programmes = home garden planting, vehicle emission testing stations planting,

street line planting, waste management promotional events.

Public exhibitions / talks/events = Street dramas, stalls at university exhibitions, school walls art

competition on variety of topics including disaster mitigation, waste management, secure environments,

rainwater harvesting and sustainable practices

Media Coverage = a. Tri lingual radio jingle on waste management; b. radio talk show on same. c. national

newspaper articles/advertorials on waste management option available. D. National newspaper articles on

valua of home gardens.

e. Tv interview on yatv channels talk show re the whole programme.

2. Partnerships /collaborative programmes govt & civic

Partners = Govt/Community /civil= in total 66 partners were formed successfully implementing a variety of

sub projects across the target districts.

Community Projects = ~ 20 projects were completed focusing on habitat restoration, renewable products,

rainwater harvesting.

Individual‟s Projects = 40 projects were completed primarily through the SGS. Most were habitat

Improvement projects and some renewable products cottage industry projects were supported.

3. Habitat regeneration / restoration

Planting projects = Schools – 74 schools with partner Rukrakagano in 2006; ~ 10 other district schools

Community - ~ 12 projects which include home gardens, forest gardens, & roadside planting.

Habitat restoration projects = 10 habitat projects ranging from coastal to mangrove to river bank restoration

Partnerships/Collaborations

An important part of our successful actions have been as a result of the partnerships formed by the EP, both with the

civic community at large, with government, private sector and other organisations. We often found that resources

and similar work in keeping with the EP mandate had been initiated by others with either the lack of ability, funds or

personal to carry things through. As such collaborative endeavours brought about the successful execution of many

planned actions. The below list of some of our selected partners and the work we collaboratively undertook together

with table 2 above illustrates this.

Some key Organizations/individuals:

1. Ruk Rakaganno – coastal re-greening plus awareness programmes for schools (Galle/Matara/Hambantota

districts)

2. Wanasarana Turulatha Swechcha Society (WTSS) - coastal re-greening

programme (4 areas in Hambantota district )

3. Sobha Thurunu Environment Society– Mangrove restoration project &

Awareness centre (SGS project/selected district project- Hikkaduwa,

Galle district)

4. Youth Sports Club – Plant nursery plus Coastal re-greening activities (SGS

Project, Galle district)

5. Manawa Sampath Kalamanakarana Padanama – Plant nursery Plus restoration programme in

Lenabatuwewa reservation (SGS project – Matara)

6. Social Organizations Networking for Development – SOND – Re-greening ; school/community level

(SGS Project –Ampara)

7. Community Development Cycle (CDC) –Matara – School re-greening & awareness creation programme

(Matara)

8. Mr. Amarasena Ekanayake – Plant nursery plus River banks restoration/re-greening project (along Gin

River)– (SGS project – Galle)

9. Ten (10) plant nursery establishments for use in re-greening projects.

10. Agriculture organics extension Dept – for certification, sale and awareness of organic home gardens -

Jaffna district

11. INSGD Community Organisation – forest nurseries – Jaffna District.

12. Lanka Rainwater Harvesting – Creation and awareness of rainwater harvesting systems in multiple

districts.

13. Open University of Sri Lanka – Awareness programmes for all interventions.

14. Government Secretariats – for tree planting /habitat enrichment – Jaffna and Trincomalee districts.

15. Waste Management Authority / LirneAsia / Abans Environmental / St. Peters College, Colombo for

waste management actions

16. Environmental Foundation Ltd for legal training and action

17. Certified Institutions (Angoda, Mulleriyawa, 2 children‟s remand schools/homes) for therapeutic home

garden creation/waste management/awareness

18. Colombo Municipal Council for street greening

19. Kandy Municipal Council for forest nursery establishments/awareness for forest restoration.

20. Lankem Pvt Ltd is the partners for the school painting programme generously contributing all needed paints.

21. Clean Co. Pvt Ltd continues to partner with EP to ensure that all of the vehicle emission testing stations (vet

stations) under their management (Drive Green Stations) is adequately greened with high pollution tolerance

plant species.

Implementation problems and challenges

During the first few years of the programme the ongoing civil war was the primary challenge for implementation in

the north, east and northwest of the country. Security restrictions, people‟s inability to accesses surrounding areas

freely for both implementation and monitoring of projects were the major hurdles. The last 2 years of the project

saw more work implemented in these regions as tensions eased post conflict and due to the end of the war.

An additional challenge came with two back to back flooding incidents that occurred post conflict; this

unfortunately resulted in some projects being completely wiped out. The Batticaloa town display garden reported on

in previous reports is an example of this: challenges due to the security situation caused delays in the creation of

this; once this challenge eased and the garden finally materialised at a different location the ensuing floods resulted

in the entire garden being completely flooded out.

For the southern districts the challenges early on were the obtaining of permits and government approvals; due to the

large number of projects/organisations post tsunami and the ad hoc planning and lack of cooperation the permit

granting process caused some delays and even non implementation of some initially proposed minor projects. Once

again weather conditions also caused havoc on some of the projects but not to such an extent as in the east.

Finally one of the long term challenges and as reported more in detail in the 2010 annual report is the turnover of

adequately qualified staff. A programme such as this requires a specific skill set, dedication and long term

commitment. Unfortunately this calibre of personnel, especially in the environment sector is still not easy to find as

this field of work is still new to the country.

However, given all of these challenges and problems it was felt by the team as a whole that the EP was successful in

carrying out and achieving its initial mandate. Some key achievements were made and overall much was done

through this programme. The continuation of the programme would have meant continued improvement to Sri

Lanka‟s habitats and people.

Recommendations and conclusion

As has been repeatedly stated in all of the annual reports submitted our primary recommendation for Environment

Programmes such as this is three pronged:

1. Adaptability on the ground as project works and actions evolve; it is this adaptability that allows for

sustained projects

2. Hands on implementation of work together with partners as apposed to indirect implementation and only

donations

3. Long term involvement – as all environment work is depended on weather patterns, time needed for plant

growth/habitat regeneration, relevant permits. If long term monitoring and continued involvement is not

done often projects could end in total failure.

For all of the above three recommendations to be met flexibility of fund disbursement and follow up funds are

essential; as this programme was lucky enough to have this criteria met most of the actions undertaken were

successful. It is for this reason that we are able to fully recommend this course of action with confidence.

In addition, the creation and continued existence of a well informed, topically educated team who not only know the

academia but have the field skills to see such environment projects through are essential for programmes such as

this. Such environmental programme teams must have the necessary skill sets for the overall programme to be

successful.

And finally it is essential that the overall mandates of the organisation implementing the programme be in keeping

with the environmental focus of such a programme. If these recommendation are met there is no doubt that such

environmental programmes can and will achieve much to ensure the long term safeguarding of a nations

environments/ecosystems.