Lanka Challenge - Eco-friendly Initiatives in Sri Lanka (LORRIS)

Principal Objectives:

To create a clean environment in Sri Lanka through specific projects, awareness programs, volunteer cleaning activities and regular monitoring programs throughout the island.
To create an arboretum for the mountain flora by planting of indigenous plant species according to the specific landscape.
To increase the knowledge about mountain ecosystem and its importance among the school children through education programs based on the project sites.

Implemented by: Participatory habitat enrichment and awareness programme for slender loris conservation, University of Colombo.

Project Objectives:

To increase forested area and tree cover in the area.
To increase the plant diversity in the agricultural lands.
To reduce illegal encroachment, logging, uncontrolled extraction of fire wood, and hunting in the region through awareness programmes.
To build local capacity to conservation of natural resource.
To organize an environmental awareness campaign at the Wattegama School.
To off-set carbon emissions created through the Lanka Challenge by planting over 200 fruit trees in 2009 and 250 in 2010 with the local students.

We would also like to share some of the eco-friendly initiatives implemented throughout our event since 2009:

Sourcing locally from independent suppliers which use natural raw and or recycled materials.
Using plates and cups made out of the “sheath” of Arecunut palm (Areca catechu) – beetle nut tree. No chemicals used when made.
Using bags made out of jute, a vegetable fibre widely available and polypropylene, a material commonly recycled.
Minimizing printed collateral and using recycled paper folders and envelopes (30% rice - 70% recycled paper).
Collecting litter created throughout the event in order to minimize waste and hand over for recycling purposes.
Supporting start-up and handicraft businesses and educating them on social/green practices.
Encouraging participants to follow our green practices and devise their own initiatives throughout the Challenge.
Hosting our websites through carbon neutral hosting companies.
Supporting the local Government on their responsible travel initiatives.