Sri Lanka yesterday (Monday 8 ) embarks on an ambitious programme of establishing Green societies (clubs) countrywide empowering the community towards environmental conservation and protection.
Green society programme will be implemented throughout the island with the aim of involving villagers at rural as stake holders voluntarily in protecting environment, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said at the inauguration ceremony in Colombo.
A sum of Rs.480 million has been allocated from the national budget 2019 to implement this Green society programme countrywide.
The Launch of Green society (club) programme was held with the participation of all Divisional Secretaries in the country .
Environmental “Conservation and Protection will only be effective if society is an active part of this endeavour, according to 2019 budget proposal.
As such, community-based “Green and Unity Clubs” will be established in every Divisional Secretariat, consisting of volunteers, especially students.
These Clubs will be engaged, especially to expedite the planting of 2.5 million trees, cleaning beaches, separation of waste, etc.
Civil society organizations have been inducted as partners in the newly-launched Green clubs ensuring communities will play a leading role in building their own resilience to climate change.
Over the coming year, the Green Clubs will support project roll-out in the target districts .Their role will encompass raising awareness of climate change; mobilizing local involvement in planning, implementation and monitoring; identifying and communicating communities’ needs and feedback; and coordinating with authorities.
“Working closely with the civil society organizations is really crucial to climate change adaptation,” Minister Samaraweera said adding that their role is indispensable to the success of this project.
In ensuring project target, beneficiaries are aware and supportive of its activities, in boosting cooperation between stakeholders at different levels, and in paving the way for the sustainability of the project beyond its lifetime, he added.
(LI)