Community Action

Earlier this year, Orsi Fulop, Digital Campaign Specialist at Project AWARE travelled to Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka, also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, is desperate for change. It's gorgeous coastlines and turquoise clear waters filled with marine life is under a lot of pressure from an increasing amount of unmanaged plastic pollution.” says Orsi

Whilst in the country, Orsi visited Unawatuna Diving, a PADI 5 Star center, run by Hans, who has always had environmental issues at the forefront of his business since it began in 1999. At the center, Orsi chatted to instructors and dive masters about their Dive Against Debris Surveys.

“They were each keen to tell me about their own experiences and the items they are finding the most of. The energy was high! It was exciting and inspiring to be amongst a group of people (many locals) so dedicated to doing the best they can to protect the ocean.” explains Orsi

These actions are working towards both local and global impact. Every single item they remove from the ocean floor and report through the survey program is building a baseline of data and an understanding of the pollution issues in Sri Lanka - evidence that can influence policy changes for the better.

Unawatuna Diving Centre joins a global network of divers who are doing their bit for ocean protection. But we need all hands on deck. Join Project AWARE and make #EveryDiveaSurveyDive.

CITES CoP18

From May 23rd to June 3rd, Sri Lanka will host the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP18).

“Sri Lanka as an island nation is proactive to challenges and firmly believes on the need for global partnership to combat the threats and issues that affect us in achieving strategic outcomes of the SDGs, the Aichi targets and the CITES Strategic vision. We are eagerly awaiting to host CoP18 and to showcase Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable livelihoods and species conservation. All arrangements are now in place to host a very successful conference” said Minister of Tourism and Wildlife of Sri Lanka, John Amaratunga.

Project AWARE uses the power of CITES to help protect threatened, commercially valuable marine species from the devastating effects of unregulated, international trade. This year’s conference presents opportunities to ensure significant progress for highly traded species, including two species of mako shark, guitarfish, wedgefish, and sea cucumbers.