Twenty-four staff members from NDB Bank actively participated in a volunteer initiative at the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, a critical Ramsar site in Sri Lanka, as part of ongoing mangrove conservation efforts. The programme was organized under the Life of Our Mangroves project, in collaboration with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) and The Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS).
The day began with an informative session led by BSL and WNPS representatives, highlighting the ecological importance of mangroves and the objectives of the restoration project. Volunteers were educated on invasive species in the sanctuary, particularly Ipil Ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), which poses a significant threat to the wetland’s delicate ecosystem.
Following the briefing, participants were divided into four teams to conduct a systematic vegetation survey. They identified and documented the presence of Ipil Ipil and other plant species across designated plots. The volunteers also planted 150 true mangrove seedlings, directly contributing to habitat restoration and ecological balance.
The data collected during the survey will serve as a baseline for the project, enabling targeted removal of invasive species and informed restoration planning. This science-based approach ensures that conservation efforts are both effective and sustainable.
“The participation of our staff reflects NDB’s commitment to environmental stewardship and collaborative conservation,” said a spokesperson from NDB Bank. “By protecting one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically significant wetland environments, we are actively contributing to biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem management.”
The Life of Our Mangroves project is a collaborative Public-Private-Community Partnership involving NDB Bank, BSL, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Wayamba University (WUSL), and other private sector partners. NDB has committed to restoring one hectare of degraded mangrove forest over a five-year period, employing a science-based approach to enhance growth rates and ecological resilience.
Since its inception in 2022, the project has made notable progress, with community engagement playing a key role in achieving restoration goals. By improving habitat quality, species diversity, and ecosystem functions, the initiative aligns closely with NDB’s sustainability objectives while strengthening Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
