Reforestation Project

In November 2019 we launched an exciting initiative to plant 10,000 mangrove trees within the Rekawa Nature Reserve by the end of 2021. This project will contribute to the fight against climate change, promote biodiversity and assist the 50 families who depend on the Rekawa Lagoon for a large part of their livelihood. After being granted approval by the Sri Lankan Forest and Coastal Conservation Departments, we began the regeneration of mangroves on four acres of empty land at the edge of the lagoon, across the water from the Sanctuary.

Mangroves are particularly effective when it comes to carbon off-setting because they absorb three times as much C02 from the atmosphere compared to most other trees. They also play a very important role in promoting biodiversity, offering an ideal habitat and food source for a wide variety of species, from shrimps and fish to water monitors and birds. Mangrove forest waters provide fishermen with a rich supply of fish and shellfish, generating income for them and their families.

This project is a collaboration with our local community. Rekawa villagers are paid to run tree nurseries, where the young mangroves can be prepared and looked after until they are ready to be planted. And after planting, local farmers look after the trees, helping them to reach maturity.

People come from all over the world to visit Sri Lanka and we have a responsibility to balance our carbon footprint. We hope our project will become a model to inspire other small businesses like ours to set up tree planting initiatives in their communities.