COYLE pioneers green entrepreneurship and mangrove restoration in Sri Lanka

Monday, 5 August 2024 00:10 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Attendees together with the COYLE senior members


iLEAD International Academy MD Ravi Pratap Singh
COYLE Chairman Thushira Raddella addressing the gathering
CIFOR-ICRAF Senior Scientist Dr. Rupesh Bhomia speaking on the occasion 
President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene

The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), along with the iLEAD International Academy and Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), hosted ‘The Big Lunch’, a groundbreaking event aimed at bringing together stakeholders for the promotion of green entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. 

This gathering marked a significant step towards positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth.  

The event was attended by members of the business chambers, Government officials from the Environment Ministry, representatives of various UN agencies, international and national NGOs/civil society organisations, academic and research institutions, independent environmentalists, and youth.

The focus of ‘The Big Lunch’ was to generate action ideas to protect and enhance Sri Lanka’s position by fostering a stronger approach to nature conservation, after being selected as one of the seven UN flagship programs for mangrove restoration. The initiative on Green Entrepreneurship for Mangroves employs a tripartite approach, uniting local communities, businesses, and research institutions to coordinate mangrove restoration efforts effectively.

The President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, highlighted the need to create an environment conducive to open and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders. He expressed his confidence to say that this program would show the world that economic growth and environmental conservation can coexist harmoniously. By supporting the development of entrepreneurial ventures that prioritise environmental sustainability, COYLE is paving the way for a greener future.

COYLE members will play a crucial role in this initiative through the establishment of a new Entrepreneur Development Centre, which will provide support and resources to budding entrepreneurs dedicated to green business practices. 

iLEAD International Academy MD Ravi Pratap Singh, a key advocate for green entrepreneurship and mangrove restoration in Sri Lanka, introduced the project at the event. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between businesses, research institutions, and institutions working for youth mobilisation at the community level.  

While summarising the action ideas that emerged from ‘The Big Lunch’, CIFOR-ICRAF Senior Scientist Dr. Rupesh Bhomia assured their continuing support for this project through the global technical expertise of ICRAF on the subject. 

COYLE Chairman Thushira Raddella encapsulated the spirit of the event with his remarks: “We aim to support those who are ready to develop entrepreneurial ventures via supporting the environment, especially conserving the mangroves. Through this, we can show the world that economic growth and environmental conservation can both go hand in hand. At COYLE, we believe that, not only should we grow our existing entrepreneurs, but also we must promote new avenues of entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Restoring and protecting mangroves is crucial, as reflected in the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 which focuses on sustainably managing our oceans and coasts, and recognises mangroves’ immense value to local communities. 

Raddella added: “The importance of restoring and protecting mangroves is reflected most clearly in SDG 14. But restoring mangrove forests also supports the achievement of many other SDGs, including those related to eliminating poverty and hunger, ensuring livelihoods and economic growth, taking action against climate change impacts, and halting biodiversity loss. We are glad to contribute towards the country’s SDGs via this project.”

‘The Big Lunch’ not only fostered important discussions but also laid the groundwork for a movement that empowers youth through sustainable entrepreneurship.

 The continued support and active participation of all stakeholders will be vital in realising the goals set forth during this momentous event. 

Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, COYLE is committed to leading the way in green entrepreneurship and environmental conservation. ‘The Big Lunch’ is just the beginning. Starting in September, ground-level work will be initiated.

The informal nature of ‘The Big Lunch’ facilitated in-depth discussions, during which actionable ideas were presented and deliberated upon. This initiative is a decisive step towards reversing the environmental damage caused to mangroves around Sri Lanka.

Through the provision of entrepreneurial training, young entrepreneurs will be equipped to convert their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. COYLE’s commitment to fostering green entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability ensures that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment.

COYLE, by supporting the creation of green entrepreneurial ventures, is leading the change towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Sri Lanka, along with two of its crucial partners – the iLEAD International Academy, for youth mobilisation and training, and CIFOR-ICRAF, for providing its technical expertise in the area of mangrove restoration.

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