Dreaming of green
View(s):By Shehani L. Alwis
While many seem to ignore the dangers of deforestation and the resultant loss of endemic species of flora and fauna, the Rotaract Club of Moratuwa, has initiated a project- ‘Green Dream’ in a bid to conserve our dwindling natural resources and greenery.
The project is being conducted in collaboration with “Friends of Bio-diversity”, a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of our bio diversity.Roonakanda forest being the second largest lowland forest in the country home to an abundant bio-diversity which covers an area of 4500 hectares was selected by the Rotaract club of the University of Moratuwa, for this reforestation project.
Lately the forest has been exposed to a great deal of deforestation due to careless human activities. The initial phases of the project have already been laid out and the club have been successful in clearing and replanting about one acre of deforested land. They’ve been able to nurture a virtual family of trees comprising approximately 100 rare endemic saplings which will be planted and taken care of in time to come. The nursery is being maintained with the help of the villages and “the friends of Bio Diversity.”
The process includes clearing the forest grounds of destructive weeds and replanting endemic trees which suit the climate in the area. Public awareness campaigns will be organized in the future in with the aim of making youngsters a part of this noble cause. The Rotaract Club of the University of Moratuwa hopes to conduct youth camps focused on bringing dynamic youth in the country together.
The team behind the Green Dream project have faced a few obstacles as the boundaries of this proposed forest reserve haven’t been properly demarcated, while villagers in the adjoining areas have acquired certain portions of the areas of the forest for agricultural activities.
The Green Dream also supports the welfare of the families living around the forest by appointing the villages to find endemic plants from the forest itself and paying them for each plant they find. Youngsters could also play a part in the Green Dream programme by investing in an endemic plant that will be looked after till it matures and will provide shelter for generations. Once a tree is planted it will not be left alone and Green Dream will be the guardian of the trees. If you represent an organisation you can be a proud partner of the Green Dream, providing financial assistance to the thriving efforts of the Rotaractors and see the forest being reclaimed.
For more information log onto https://www.facebook.com/greendreammora
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