Browns Hotels & Resorts wins international accolade at Green Apple Environment Awards 2024

Browns Hotels & Resorts CEO Eksath Wijeratne and Wildlife Ranger Sanath Nishantha exploring the mangrove site at the Ratha Milla educational signage unveiling event

Thaala Bentota team initiating conservation efforts 

Browns Hotels & Resorts (BHR) was recently awarded the prestigious International Gold Winner title in the Hospitality and Travel: Conservation and Wildlife category at the Green Apple Environment Awards 2024, held at Kensington Palace, London. 

This recognition celebrates BHR’s exemplary mangrove conservation efforts, particularly its Ratha Milla (Lumnitzera littorea) project, spearheaded by Thaala Bentota Resort in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The Ratha Milla, a critically endangered mangrove species native to Sri Lanka, was rediscovered in the Bentota estuary and Dedduwa lagoon after being unrecorded for over a century. Previously believed to be limited to the Madu River Ramsar Wetland, recent ecological studies have identified over 100 young plants, aged 10 to 20 years, marking a significant milestone in biodiversity conservation.

Launched earlier this year, the conservation project included a series of impactful initiatives such as installation of informational signage at the Bentota mangrove site to raise awareness on the vital role mangroves play in coastal ecosystems. Community educational sessions were also conducted, bringing together locals, tourists and environmental officials to discuss the importance of protecting the Ratha Milla and mitigating threats to its survival. Monthly excursions to the mangrove site provided hotel guests with a unique opportunity to experience the delicate balance of mangrove ecosystems and their contributions to biodiversity, carbon sequestration and coastal protection.

Browns Hotels and Resorts CEO Eksath Wijeratne said: “At Browns Hotels and Resorts, we believe that sustainability is an integral part of how we operate and the experiences we offer. Our work on the Ratha Milla project, which has gained global recognition, is just one example of our dedication to preserving Sri Lanka’s rich natural heritage. Alongside this, we are involved in mangrove conservation in Gin Oya, managing a turtle hatchery in Mirissa and enhancing various wildlife conservation efforts across our resorts, while engaging our hotel teams, communities and guests. Our focus is always on creating memorable, responsible travel experiences that help safeguard Sri Lanka’s wildlife and ecosystems for future generations.”

The Ratha Milla project is currently thriving under the leadership of Thaala Bentota Resort General Manager Rohan Gamage and his team, who are committed to its continued success. Patrick Fernando, Niroshan Gallage, Dilina Mendis and Nimesh Kuruvita from Thaala Bentota and BHR have been instrumental in bringing the initiative to life, from engaging with the community to implementing conservation efforts on-site. Additionally, key collaborators from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, including Wildlife Ranger, Saman Nishantha and Hikkaduwa Marine Division Head Asanka Gunawardane, have been vital in supporting the project and ensuring its success.

This international recognition highlights Browns Hotels and Resorts’ commitment to sustainability on a global stage, with the Ratha Milla project serving as a testament to BHR’s dedication to environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.