Sri Lanka Volunteering

Hi, my name is Julia, I am a 17-year-old college student, and I am considering going into environmental studies at university in two years time. Therefore, I’m really excited to say that I have been accepted to help out the Nil Manel foundation in Sri Lanka this summer, However I wanted a bit of help with funding as this is not a cheap trip for sure, so even the slightest donations, will be very and I mean very deeply appreciated.

This foundation primarily focuses on mangrove conservation, which plays a crucial part in the habitat of the saltwater crocodiles, lobsters, herons and many other species. However, the importance of mangroves has become much more significant with the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. People’s homes and sometimes even their livelihoods are being taken away by Cyclones, surging seas and flooding, however these plants have the ability to provide natural infrastructure by reducing erosion and absorbing storm surge impacts during extreme weather events due to the nature of their dense roots. And over time mangroves can actively build up soils, increasing the thickness of the mangrove soil! So the point of this is, not to just conserve this plant for the sake of it, or because it looks pretty, it is actually very important to these people and the species, and as I am so fortunate to live in a stable dry house, where the thought of cyclones attacking is very much non-existent, the least I can do is use my privilege of travelling to help these less fortunate people. The sad reality of this all, is that often the countries that cause least damage to the earth are the ones to suffer most; take for example us in the UK who have emitted a total of 3% of the worlds human CO2 emission (and not to say that we’re not suffering from climate change, however the effects are much less significant on us). With the UK being predicted a 3-4 cm rise in sea level in 2030, Sri Lanka which produces less than 0.1% CO2 emission is predicted a rise of 40cm sea level- that’s pretty unfair right?

And so, as you may have gathered, I am pretty passionate about this subject, and it does frustrate me and I think it should frustrate more young people to be honest, so maybe in effort of me going to Sri Lanka and taking some gorgeous photos and showing people the divine beauty of nature and lush vegetation and unique animals that we still have around, I can persuade more young people to take interest in ecology and to want to also take part in conservation programmes or just simply have some respect for the earth and think before they throw their next used vape, or their can of coke or whatever it may be onto the ground.

Also, this volunteer programme is not only about mangrove conservation it also includes, looking after sea turtles, elephants and collaborating with schools and community groups to deliver educational workshops, so yea, I am very excited and would appreciate all the help.

Thank you, Julia xx