Green Isle

Education, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration are central to the WNPS Marine Subcommittee’s approach to advancing marine conservation in Sri Lanka. Two flagship initiatives, such as the ‘නිල් කාබන් කතන්දරේ’ (The blue carbon Story) Lecture Series and the UK–Sri Lanka Lecture Series, illustrate this commitment by engaging students, researchers, policymakers, and the public in discussions about marine ecosystems, climate resilience, and blue carbon conservation.

The Blue Carbon Story Lecture Series is a youth-focused initiative designed to introduce school and university students to the ecological, social, and economic significance of mangroves, seagrasses, and other blue carbon ecosystems. Launched through workshops at Horizon Campus and Royal College’s MAS Arena, the series brought together over 100 students across multiple schools and universities. Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody and Chamodya Weerakoon led interactive sessions highlighting the role of blue carbon ecosystems in climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. By combining lectures, workshops, and practical discussions, the series empowers the next generation of conservationists with scientific understanding and actionable knowledge.

Complementing this, the UK–Sri Lanka Lecture Series fosters international scientific collaboration and dialogue. Organised in partnership with the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), IOPUS, Horizon Campus, Wayamba University, and Uva Wellassa University, the series features both in-person and online sessions. In 2024, Alessandra Bielli from CEFAS UK delivered a lecture on stock assessment methods and their importance for sustainable fisheries, followed by a panel discussion with Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody, Dr. Jagath Gunawardena, and Mr. Medhisha Gunawardena. An online session further explored marine climate change with Dr. John Pinnegar from the International Marine Climate Change Centre and Dr. Susana Lincoln from CEFAS UK, providing timely insights into ocean acidification, ecosystem resilience, and adaptation strategies.

Together, these lecture series bridge global expertise and local action, ensuring that students, professionals, and communities are informed, engaged, and equipped to contribute to evidence-based conservation. By combining international scientific exchange with youth engagement and public outreach, the WNPS Marine Subcommittee demonstrates its leadership in promoting awareness, building capacity, and nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards committed to preserving Sri Lanka’s blue carbon ecosystems.