Climate resilience programme launched

Colombo, July 16 (Daily Mirror) - A new initiative aimed at strengthening climate-resilient ecosystems and promoting inclusive fisheries-based economies, the ‘Resilient Waves’ programme, was launched yesterday (15) with the participation of Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi and British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick.

The launch event was held at the British High Commission, with the programme focusing on empowering low-income fishing communities in some of the poorest areas of Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces.

The project is designed to help coastal communities in the Batticaloa and Mullaitivu districts address interconnected challenges including poverty, climate change impacts and social exclusion.

Through community-led, nature-based solutions, the programme aims to develop climate-resilient ecosystems, promote sustainable livelihoods and strengthen participatory governance among fishing communities.

The initiative will support ecosystem restoration, livelihood diversification and climate-smart fishing practices to improve the ability of vulnerable communities to cope with climate change.

Funded by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through the OCEAN programme, the 39-month project will be implemented by ACTED, Humanity and Inclusion (HI), Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), Green Movement Sri Lanka (GMSL), and Blue Resources Trust (BRT).

The programme will focus on improving the resilience of marine ecosystems through habitat assessments, restoration efforts and sustainable fisheries management.

Special attention will also be given to increasing women’s participation in the local economy through financial literacy programmes and sustainable income opportunities, including sea cucumber and oyster farming.

The project will promote long-term sustainability by strengthening community ownership, improving local capacities, engaging government institutions and attracting private sector support for community-based marine resource management.

The project partners will work with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) to enhance knowledge sharing on aquaculture tools and methods while ensuring alignment with national coastal livelihood management policies.

The ‘Resilient Waves’ programme is expected to create long-term, community-driven solutions by integrating climate resilience, gender equality and poverty reduction to build stronger and more equitable coastal communities.