Planting Roots for a Sustainable Future

Project Grove-Green was a mangrove planting initiative that wasn’t just about trees it was about passion, teamwork, and a shared commitment to restoring and protecting our precious mangrove ecosystems. Led by an amazing team, the project aimed to make a real impact on both the environment and the community. Let’s take you through the exciting journey of this initiative.

At the heart of this project were our visionary Directors, Rtr. Dasuni Illankoon and Rtr. Nilanga Dilhara. They took the reins and led Grove Green with clear goals in mind since the very beginning, helping us raise awareness and make mangrove forestation a key part of sustainability.

One of the highlights of Grove Green was the fact that mangrove planting was held in Kalutara, a beautiful district along Sri Lanka’s western coast. In collaboration with the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and Clean Ocean Force Sri Lanka, we aimed to restore and protect vital mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves are like nature’s superheroes, they help protect our coastlines from erosion, provide habitats for marine life, and absorb carbon, helping fight climate change.

By planting mangroves in Kalutara, we were able to not only protect the coastline but also restore the habitats for local wildlife. And the best part is that we were also empowering communities to understand the importance of keeping these ecosystems safe for future generations.

I think the impact of this project is huge. Not only were we able to help with coastal protection but also boosts biodiversity and improves water quality. I believe working with MEPA and Clean Ocean Force Sri Lanka made this event even more special, as their expertise and support were invaluable in making the project a success.

Let’s talk about the weather for a second. It was a hot, sunny day, and the sun was blazing! But despite the heat, seeing the team power through the day with incredible energy was mind blowing. A huge shoutout to Rtr. Dinura, one of the Co-chairpersons, whose endurance was nothing short of amazing. He kept pushing through the heat, leading by example, and keeping everyone motivated and on track. His energy and dedication were contagious, and thanks to him, the whole team kept their spirits high even under the scorching sun.

Our Board Members and Club Secretary and assistant secretary, Rtr. Brinstain Pieries and Rtr. Senuthi Kariyawasam respectively, also joined us on the day of the event. They weren’t just in behind the scenes. Each one of them jumped right into the action and worked alongside our volunteers. Their dedication made all the difference, and they were key players in helping the project come to life as well.

From the first tree-planting session to the final thank you note, Grove Green was filled with fun, impact, and meaningful moments. Whether it was the excitement from the Countdown Flyers or the important conversations about mangroves, every step of the project was designed to connect with the community.

And we can’t forget the launch event. It was an absolute blast, with the team coming together to celebrate the progress we’d made and the awesome results of our hard work.

And of course, we can’t forget our incredible enthusiastic organizing committee, the true heartbeat of Grove Green. Whether they were handing out flyers, managing social media, or getting their hands dirty during planting sessions, they brought energy, positivity, and passion to everything they did. This amazing team made Grove Green a standout success, and I firmly believe we couldn’t have done it without them.

But like with any great project, teamwork was everything. My fellow awesome Chairpersons Dinura Jayawardene and Nethmi de Silva brought their creativity, planning skills, and enthusiasm to the table, making sure everything ran smoothly. Their combined effort was a huge part of what made the project such a success.

While Grove-Green may have come to an end for now, the impact will last for years to come. With the leadership of Rtr. Dasuni, Rtr. Nilanga, Rtr. Dinura, Rtr. Nethmi and all the amazing volunteers, Grove-Green has set the stage for a brighter, greener future.

We couldn’t have done it without each and every person who believed in the cause, and we can’t wait to see the lasting changes made in our mangrove ecosystems.

Here’s to many more projects, more trees, and the power of community.