Written by: Rtr. Nimesh Fernando

The Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, under its Environmental Service Avenue, has successfully implemented a series of environmental phases  aimed at promoting sustainability, raising environmental consciousness, and making a tangible impact on the ecosystem. This initiative, dubbed Aquatica Wave 5.0, has been designed to address pressing environmental issues while encouraging collective action towards environmental conservation. 

By focusing on hands-on phases that create long-lasting benefits for nature, the initiative has engaged participants in activities that directly contribute to the preservation and restoration of the environment. The success of Aquatica Wave 5.0 is marked by the completion of four impactful phases, each designed to address a specific aspect of environmental conservation. These actions have included strategic plantation drives, marine life protection, waste management, and beach conservation, all geared towards building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.

The Cleanup Sri Lanka project, held on September 28th, 2024, at Beira Lake Pelican Nest, Colombo, was a collaborative effort to tackle urban pollution and restore the beauty of one of the city’s most iconic water bodies. Organized in partnership with the District 3220 Rotaract Club, this initiative brought together passionate volunteers, including members of Aquatica Wave 5.0, to remove accumulated waste along the lake’s shores. The cleanup focused on eliminating plastic pollution, discarded fishing gear, and other debris that threaten aquatic life and degrade the environment. Beyond just cleaning, the project also served as a platform to spread awareness about responsible waste disposal and sustainable urban living.

The impact of this project was remarkable, with volunteers successfully collecting and filling over 25 huge waste bags with plastic, polythene, and other pollutants. This effort significantly contributed to the revival of the lake’s ecosystem, preventing further contamination and harm to local wildlife. More importantly, the initiative instilled a strong sense of environmental responsibility among participants, inspiring them to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives. Engaging with the local community and raising awareness about urban pollution reinforced the idea that small collective actions can lead to significant environmental change. The Cleanup Sri Lanka project was not just a one-day effort, it was a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to protect and preserve our natural surroundings.

Phase 1: Revitalizing Nature Through Plantation
On 12th October 2024, the first phase took place at Calido Beach, Kalutara, with a large-scale plantation initiative aimed at improving the coastal ecosystem. A variety of native plants were carefully selected and planted along the beach to address the growing concerns of coastal erosion and loss of biodiversity. The newly planted species are expected to thrive and establish a healthy ecosystem along the shore, providing numerous ecological benefits.

The long-term impact of this initiative is profound. These plants will help stabilize the coastline, reducing soil erosion and protecting the surrounding landscape from the adverse effects of strong winds and heavy rains. In addition to their role in soil conservation, the plants will enhance biodiversity by providing shelter and food for various species of birds, insects, and small animals. Over time, this plantation will create a thriving, resilient coastal ecosystem, helping the local environment recover and flourish for generations to come.

Phase 2: Safeguarding Marine Life – A Day with Sea Turtles
The second phase, held on 9th November 2024, took place at the Induruwa Sea Turtle Conservation Center, where participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as cleaning turtle nesting areas, feeding the turtles, and contributing to the overall protection of these endangered species. This initiative was a vital step in preserving the integrity of turtle habitats, providing care to the vulnerable marine animals, and spreading awareness about the threats faced by sea turtles.  

Through direct participation in conservation efforts, members not only contributed to saving endangered species but also gained valuable insight into the critical environmental challenges related to marine life, pollution, and habitat destruction. This phase was a significant step toward raising awareness about marine conservation and promoting sustainable practices to protect our oceans.

Phase 3: Beach Conservation Initiative – Reducing Coastal Pollution and Promoting Sustainable Practices

On 15th December 2024, the third phase focused on a comprehensive beach cleanup at Calido Beach, Kalutara. This initiative aimed to remove harmful waste, such as plastics, polythene, and other debris, from the beach and surrounding areas. Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues today, and the cleanup focused on eliminating waste that could otherwise endanger marine life and damage the ecosystem.

The impact of this phase cannot be overstated. By removing waste from the beach, the team helped prevent further pollution from entering the ocean, thereby safeguarding marine life and protecting the natural beauty of the coastline. Additionally, the cleanup served as a powerful reminder of the importance of waste management and the role of community efforts in maintaining cleaner and healthier environments. With continued community awareness and action, it is possible to reduce the ongoing issue of marine pollution and protect our beaches for future generations.

Phase 4: Coral Observation and Awareness Session

The 4th phase of Aquatica Wave 5.0 was successfully carried out on February 7th at Hikkaduwa, focusing on coral reef conservation and marine ecosystem restoration. This phase included a coral observation and awareness session, where participants had the opportunity to explore the vibrant coral ecosystems of Hikkaduwa and understand the threats they face due to climate change, pollution, and human activities. Experts from the marine conservation field provided valuable insights into reef restoration techniques, emphasizing the role of corals in maintaining marine biodiversity. The session aimed to educate and inspire volunteers, reinforcing the importance of protecting these fragile underwater habitats.

The impact of this phase was significant, as it provided participants with firsthand knowledge of coral ecosystems while fostering a deeper appreciation for marine conservation. Engaging with marine life in its natural habitat helped create a stronger emotional connection, motivating individuals to advocate for sustainable practices. The awareness session also highlighted actionable steps, such as responsible tourism and waste reduction, to minimize human-induced damage to coral reefs. By the end of the project, dozens of volunteers left with a renewed commitment to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems, ensuring that initiatives like Aquatica Wave 5.0 continue to make a lasting difference.

Aquatica Wave 5.0 aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing global efforts toward environmental sustainability. This project actively contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through its multifaceted approach to conservation, pollution reduction, and awareness-building, Aquatica Wave 5.0 demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for both the environment and communities.

Graphic Design by: Rtr. Dulan Pramod