As of late, Sri Lanka, a close neighbour of India has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. With the chemical fertiliser ban announced to be effective immediately, failure of organic farming in a heavily agriculture dependent nation and citizens suffering economic decline, Sri Lanka’s woes seem unending.
However, it also gives one an opportunity to talk about something that is still holding up hope of the nation’s people – the Ocean. As an island nation, the people of the country have never failed to show their utmost respect for the element that surrounds them. One of their great initiatives is the Oceanswell, Sri Lanka’s first marine conservation, research and education organisation, set up in 2017.
Sticking to the name
Oceanswell was founded by Dr. Asha de Vos with the vision to preserve the ocean with the help of the next generation with the opportunities to conduct marine conservation research. Starting with the Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project, older than the present Oceanswell, the members of the organisation have achieved milestones over the years.
The founder and her various teams have conducted research on the illegal shark fishing trade in the country, the whale-watching business and its sustainability, erosion in the beach stretch from Mt. Lavinia to Wellawatte and dynamics of the many sea creatures along the stretch. In the more recent years, the team has researched on the effects of the container ship MV Xpress Pearl burning and spilling its chemical contents into the ocean in 2020.
Took a Whale to reach Oceanswell
The story dates way back to 2008, when the Sri Lankan Blue Whale was taken into focus by Dr. de Vos for her PhD and post doctorate degree. The project on this species formally started in 2010, and has been instrumental in understanding ways to reduce ship-strike risk in Sri Lankan waters, the greatest threat to the Blue Whales.
The efforts have also included students who have a chance to gain significant field experience through this. In addition to the natural resource, Oceanswell also pays attention to everyone dependent on it – not just the animals but also people. March 2020 was a nightmarish time for everyone, specifically the economically weak who need to go out every day to put food on their plates. The Covid-19 and Fisheries project focused on the impact of the unexpected lockdowns and ways to address the poor conditions of the communities. It was aided by the New England Aquarium Marine Conservation Action Fund.
Projects for the People
The education outreach of the organisation has been tremendous. Ocean Heroes Animation Workshop, Marine Conservation Field Course, Ocean Hero Huddle are some of the initiatives. The participation ranges from young school kids to research scholars, encouraging a positive relationship with the ocean from a young age. It can play an important role in building knowledge, experience, and most importantly, empathy.
Not to forget conservation research which is contributing to the “Oceans for all, forever” motto. Oceanswell also provides services to entrepreneurs who are engaged in solving global ocean problems in a creative way.
Oceanswell has received various accolades for its work. In 2020, Dr. de Vos and the organisation were recognised as Global Goodwill Champions by HCL Technologies. In addition to that, she was one of the BBC 100 Women 2018. She was also a finalist for the Pritzker Environmental Genius Award in 2018.
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