World Vision and HSBC in partnership for environmental conservation

World Vision and HSBC recently launched a unique program to protect the bar reef of Kalpitiya and preserve this natural heritage which is the largest and most diverse coral formation in Sri Lanka.

The bar reef  was declared a marine sanctuary in 1992, with an area reserve of 306.7 square km, that is home to 156 species of coral and 283 species of tropical fish. It is a popular tourist destination for diving and dolphin and whale watching.

“This project is very much aligned to our strategy of protecting and preserving the environment and natural habitat of marine life. The bar reef is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka and HSBC together with World Vision Lanka look forward to this initiative that will help pave the way for generations to enjoy its rich biodiversity and marine life, while at the same time provide alternative livelihoods to the people in the area,” said Nick Nicolaou, Chief Executive Officer for HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives.

“Protection of the environment is a special theme across all World Vision’s programs and we are delighted to partner with HSBC in this key venture which is a great model of partnerships between development organisations and corporate,” added Suresh Bartlett, World Vision Lanka’s National Director.

Besides being a major tourist attraction, the Kalpitiya bar reef also provides fishermen with their livelihoods as it functions as the breeding centre for fish. However, the reef is under threat from natural enemies as well as human activity.  

Recent threats to its ecosystem have been identified as overexploitation of fish resources caused by unsuitable fishing methods including using dynamite to catch fish inside the corals, deep purse-seining which damage the coral and deplete fish resources; and pollution from human activities like agriculture, fishing and improper tourism.

The overall project will encompass three phases covering ‘education’ (promotion and development of community based awareness and education related to conservation), ‘livelihoods’ (improvement of livelihoods aligned to environment friendly techniques) and ‘partnering with other stakeholders’ (institutionalisation of socio-economic and environment initiatives through partnership).  

HSBC has initiated several projects that focus on both education and the environment. Past projects include entrepreneurship education, English language training, undergraduate scholarship programs, computer literacy programs, setting up libraries in the Southern province, supporting clean-up projects in Horton Plains and Sri Pada, preserving the rich culture and heritage of the Colombo National Museum and helping to regenerate a tropical rain forest in Mahausakande.  

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. The organisation serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender and has been in Sri Lanka since 1977 and has invested more than US$ 380 million (Rs. 40 billion) in development projects spread across all districts of Sri Lanka.

World Vision has been in Kalpitiya since 2007 and its program encompasses 12 Grama Niladari divisions with major interventions in health and nutrition, water and sanitation; economic development and education.