Commemoration of the World Seagrass Day on 1st March 2024 - Jetwing Blue Negombo
CELEBRATION 2nd WORLD SEAGRASS DAY 2024 AND UN ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION FLAGSHIP AWARD
Blue for blooming: vitalising seagrass resilience for livelihoods
Date: 1 March 2024
Venue: Jetwing Blue Hotel, Negombo
Time: 8:00 hrs. to 18:00 hrs.
Sri Lanka celebrated 2nd world seagrass day at Jetwing Blue Hotel, Negombo on 1st March 2024 with a theme of “ Blue for Blooming: vitalizing seagrass resilience for livelihoods” under the patronage of the Hon. State Minister of Environment Mr. Janaka Wakkubura and the participation of Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment. This event was graced by the presence of members of Parliament, foreign ambassadors, heads of stakeholder organizations, non-governmental organization officials, private sector officials, university students, youth groups and representatives of environmental organizations.
During the national event of commemorating World Seagrass Day, Sri Lanka proudly recognized the World Restoration Flagship Award received at the United Nations Environment assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya, on February 27, 2024. Sri Lanka received this award in acknowledgment of its crucial endeavors at the national level to rejuvenate and preserve mangrove systems, which play a pivotal role in the country's ecosystem. This achievement stands as a distinctive milestone garnering international recognition within the conservation community. The award showcases globally relevant best practices and methodologies, serving as a blueprint for success worldwide, all while adhering to the United Nations Principles for Ecosystem Restoration. Sri Lanka's reception of this award marks a distinctive conservation milestone of unparalleled significance.
In parallel to the main an art competition, school awareness programme and a kite festival were held to enhance awareness about seagrass ecosystem.
The main sponsor for the national event was SLT Mobitel, while other programs were supported by Hayley's Advantis, Hayley's Fabric, Wildlife Nature Protection Society, Blue Resources Trusts and Mass Intimates. The art competition was conducted under the guidance of the members of Young Zoologists Association of Sri Lanka.
Art Competition:
Kite Festival
