The youth of today will sculpt tomorrow’s sustainable reality, as children just might be the next leaders in transforming the world’s plastic plague. In an attempt to arm future generations with the knowledge and tools to combat this crisis head-on Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Sri Lanka Navy hosted the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Day celebration under the theme “Ensuring a Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations” on March 10, 2024. During this event, the PLEASE Project, implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), supported by the World Bank and UNOPS, showcased an educational stall shining a spotlight on the sources and impacts of plastic pollution, amplifying awareness among the school children and the adults alike. Through interactive displays and informative materials, children learned practical ways to reduce plastic waste, from proper disposal methods to the importance of recycling and spreading awareness. A quiz activity with prizes added an element of fun, further enhancing the learning experience. Children from schools across Sri Lanka’s nine provinces actively engaged, learning about the detrimental effects of plastic waste on marine life and ecosystems. The stall was also graced by the Director General of SACEP, Ms. Rokeya Khaton, World Bank’s Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Ms. Chiyo Kanda and Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary – Ministry of Environment
Educating youth about plastic pollution cultivates environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility toward the planet from an early age. Children are the future custodians of our world, and by instilling an understanding of plastic pollution’s consequences, we equip them with the tools and mindset needed to become responsible environmental stewards as they mature. Additionally this fosters a sense of global citizenship and encourages them to participate in addressing environmental challenges at local, national, and global scales. While Sri Lanka, like many nations, faces the daunting challenge of plastic pollution, coordinated efforts and multi-sector collaborations like these events can overcome these obstacles.
The PLEASE project exemplifies the commitment to tackling plastic pollution at a regional level, supporting innovative solutions and engaging local communities to eliminate plastic pollution from the South Asian region, safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
It is important that we work towards a world where our oceans are free from plastic pollution, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.
