WNPS and Canadian HC team up for the environment

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) and the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives announced their collaboration on upcoming environmental webinars.

These joint virtual discussions will feature Canadian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian environmental experts and activists and will facilitate exchanges of best practices between the environmental conservation communities of the three countries.

On February 22, WNPS and the High Commission of Canada will be presenting a joint edition of WNPS’ “Marine Chat” on marine plastic pollution featuring panelists from Sri Lanka, Canada and Maldives. The “Marine Chats” are monthly discussions presented by WNPS showcasing some of Sri Lanka’s leading marine scientists.

WNPS and the High Commission of Canada also believe that young people are key to protecting the planet and must be supported and provided with the tools and knowledge they need to advance environmental issues. Renowned Canadian artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong will take part in WNPS’ Youth Workshop on March 3, focusing on the intersection between art and environmental activism.

 Experts from Ocean Wise – a globally recognized Canadian ocean conservation organization will be featured in WNPS’ monthly lecture series on March 18. Held every third Thursday of the month, the Monthly Lectures are among WNPS’ most popular activities, with prominent environmental experts taking centre stage to share their knowledge on a range of issues with the Sri Lankan public.

Speaking about the partnership, WNPS President Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne said, “The WNPS is thankful to the High Commissioner and the broader Canadian community for their support towards improving the conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. Our country is presently under siege and has seen more destruction in a year than possibly in a decade. Bringing back a balance requires a lot of education and appreciation for Nature and Conservation. Exposing global best practices and success stories and collaborating is the best way forward, and these initiatives will certainly help.”

“Protecting the environment is critical for our people, our planet, and our economies,” Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon said. “We all face the challenge of building a more resilient future for the next generation, where they do not have to choose between clean air or clean water and good jobs.”

“Through our partnership with WNPS, we are pleased to facilitate an international exchange of knowledge and best practices to enrich Sri Lankan, Maldivian and Canadian thinking on environmental conservation and contribute to the discussion on sustainable economic development.”

WNPS Vice President Tami Flamer-Caldera, Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon and WNPS President Sriyan De Silva Wijeyeratne