NDB Bank and WNPS organise ‘Education for Conservation’ Citizen Science Workshop

NDB Bank, in partnership with the Youth Wing of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), successfully concluded the final chapter of the ‘Education for Conservation’ project. Held from April 1 to 3, 2025, the Citizen Science Field Workshop took place within the heart of the Runakanda Rainforest, nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious youth, the bank said in a media release.

Over 150 students and teachers from five schools in the Baduraliya area—Baduraliya Maha Vidyalaya, Dikhena Kanishta Vidyalaya, Kamburawala Maha Vidyalaya, Ingurudaluwa Kanishta Vidyalaya, and Hedigalla Sri Vipulasiri Kanishta Vidyalaya—joined this transformative experience. The workshop was designed not just as an educational outing, but as a deeply engaging exploration where participants were empowered to become active contributors to environmental conservation through field-based scientific observation.

Students were introduced to the core principles of biodiversity, ecosystem awareness, and scientific documentation, gaining firsthand experience in observing and recording the rainforest’s flora and fauna. This experiential learning opportunity was not only eye-opening but also life-shaping, transforming students into ambassadors for nature within their communities.

A groundbreaking moment during the event was the official launch of Sri Lanka’s first-ever Citizen Science Toolkit by the WNPS Youth Wing—an invaluable resource that sets a national benchmark in conservation education. This toolkit enables communities and schools to take part in scientific data collection, making conservation a shared responsibility beyond academic walls.

Speaking on the project, a representative from NDB Bank stated, “At NDB, we believe that education is a powerful catalyst for sustainable change. Through our continued support for the Education for Conservation initiative, we are proud to play a role in shaping environmentally responsible citizens who understand the value of our natural heritage and are equipped to protect it.”

This field workshop marks the culmination of the ‘Education for Conservation’ series funded by NDB Bank and reinforces the bank’s broader commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment. By equipping young minds with the tools to observe, understand, and protect, NDB Bank and WNPS are fostering a future where conservation is driven by informed and passionate citizens.