NDB bank volunteers engage in Mangrove Blue Carbon project to mark International Biodiversity Day

Friday, 31 May 2024 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

NDB staff volunteer for mangrove restoration with the ‘Life to Our Mangrove’ project

In commemoration of the International Bio Diversity Day, NDB bank has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental conservation, as CEO Kelum Edirisinghe and NDB staff volunteered for mangrove restoration activities.

This on-going effort is part of the ‘Life to Our Mangroves’ project, a collaborative Public-Private-Community Partnership and Multi-Partner initiative between NDB bank, Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Wayamba University (WUSL) and other private sector companies.

The project, initiated in 2022, has progressed successfully. The science-based approach has provided valuable insight to overcome challenges and obtain a better growth rate. Community involvement has also been a key element in this journey. By enhancing ecological functions, habitat quality, and species diversity, the project contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem services, aligning with NDB’s commitment to sustainability.

During the restoration activities, volunteers, including the CEO and members of NDB’s leadership team, planted 600 mangrove seeds and assisted in research activities on plant growth covering 3 hectares of the project site. The volunteers were also educated on the importance of the project, the benefits of the project, the challenges faced and the lessons learned. The highlight of this awareness session was the success stories shared by officials from BSL, DWC, and WUSL, evidencing the strides made through this Blue Carbon Project in mitigating Climate Change.

NDB CEO Kelum Edirisinghe, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “NDB is proud to be at the forefront of this globally recognised initiative, where we are not just planting mangroves; we are restoring an entire ecosystem & the benefits that come with it. These ecological, economic and social benefits will not only be felt by the community but will cascade to the entire nation and will also create a sense of pride and purpose among our employees, as we work together towards a greener future.”

Through initiatives like the ‘Life to Our Mangroves’ project, NDB bank continues to lead by example in environmental stewardship, embodying its commitment to responsible business practices and sustainable value creation.