HELP-O Sri Lanka Newsletter March 2024

NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024

EDITORIAL

HELP-OisaNon-governmentalOrganization(NGO)establishedin1992byateamof professionalswithcommitmenttomakingSriLankaabetter,happierplacetolivein harmonywithnature

HELP-Ohasthefollowingvision:"EquitableEconomicDevelopment,SocialJustice, andaSaferEnvironmentforAll

Itsmissionis"ToidentifytheneedofrisksconfrontedbySriLankancommunitiesand implementeffectivesolutionsthroughprovenintegratedapproacheswiththe participationofstakeholders".ThefivestrategiesHELP-Oadoptsinachievingits mission include, empowering the marginalized community socially and economically,acceptingtheimportanceofcommunityparticipationandleadership, dedicatingforprotecttheenvironmentthroughanintegratedprocess,protecting humanrightsandjustice,andensuringsustainabledevelopment.

MissionrelatedprogramsandprojectslaunchedbyHELP-Ofocusonthefollowing spheres:

TheyareCommunityempowerment,rehabilitation,reliefassistance,andprotecting humanrights,communityparticipationinlocalgovernance,communityfinancing, livelihooddevelopment,economicresourcemobilization,nurturingbiodiversity, mitigatingtheimpactofclimatechange,pollutionprevention,wastemanagement, andoptimalutilizationofmarineresourcesandoptimalutilizationofforestproducts

Overall,HELP-Oisanorganizationdedicatedtobringingaboutasustainablepositive impactontheenvironmentandthelivesofpeopleinSriLankathroughaseriesof interdependentactivities

WASTE MANAGEMENT

A Novel Experience of Community Waste Management: Insights from the Evaluation of Bokashi Indoor Compost and Plastic Bin Users in Galle

In the ongoing quest for cleaner and greener cities, effective waste management stands as a cornerstone for sustainable development. Addressing this critical need, the "Let's Make Galle a Clean City" waste management cooperation project, funded by the Clean Cities Blue Ocean Program under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been actively engaging communities in Galle, Sri Lanka. As part of its initiatives, the Introducing an indoor Bokashi compost bin for creating compost within the comfort of home and alongside plastic bins provided to households for collecting plastic waste indoors, facilitated by the HELP-O, represents a crucial stride in promoting responsible waste disposal practices.

Recently, a significant milestone was achieved through evaluating the progress of the initiatives at Bombe Castle Watta Settlement, Salamiya Watta Settlement and Mohideen Watta Settlement. This evaluation shows how the community has embraced and utilized these waste management tools and different strategies for their optimal utilization. The evaluation yielded valuable observations, shedding light on the efficacy and challenges associated with the implementation of the Bokashi indoor compost bins and plastic bins. Here are some key takeaways:

Community Engagement and Participation: One of the most encouraging findings was the enthusiastic participation of households in utilizing the provided compost and plastic bins. Residents expressed appreciation for the initiative and demonstrated a genuine commitment to segregating their waste effectively.

Behavioral Changes: The initiative has spurred notable behavioral changes among community members, fostering a heightened sense of environmental consciousness. Many households have embraced the habit of segregating organic waste for composting, thereby reducing the burden on landfills and promoting recycling practices.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Despite the overall positive response, certain challenges were identified during the evaluation process. These included occasional lapses in proper waste segregation, as well as logistical hurdles in managing the disposal of nonrecyclable materials. However, these challenges also present opportunities for targeted interventions and capacity-building initiatives to enhance waste management practices further.

Empowerment through Education:

Education emerged as a powerful tool for empowering communities in waste management. The project officers of HELP-O emphasized the importance of ongoing educational campaigns to reinforce proper waste disposal practices and address any misconceptions or challenges faced by residents.

Path Forward: Building upon the successes and insights garnered from the evaluation, the project stakeholders reiterated their commitment to the cause of sustainable waste management in Galle. Plans are underway to intensify community outreach efforts, expand the distribution of waste management resources, and forge partnerships with local stakeholders for enhanced impact.

In conclusion, the evaluation of the Bokashi indoor compost bins and plastic bins initiative at Bombe Castle Settlement serves as a testament to the transformative potential of communitydriven waste management interventions. By fostering active participation, promoting behavioral change, and addressing challenges through collaborative efforts, the project paves the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Galle. As we continue on this journey, let us harness the collective power of innovation, education, and community engagement to realize our vision of a truly clean and resilient city.

Written by - Chathura Rajitha ( Project Officer - HELP-O )

Galle District Environment Committee meeting

The Galle District Environment Committee, under the leadership of Mrs. Ayesha Kariyawasam, Additional District Secretary for Land and Development, convened, on 21.03. 2024 via online platform

During the meeting, the Committee addressed pressing environmental concerns within the Galle district, including the ongoing removal of fiber waste at the Fisheries Harbor premises and associated environmental challenges requiring immediate resolution. Discussions also covered the current state of waste management at the Harbor

Furthermore, Mr. Sunil Garusinghe, Director of the Southern Provincial Central Environment Authority, notified attendees that the deadline for institutions to submit applications for the 'Presidential Environment Awards' has been extended until March 31st.

Present at the meeting were representatives from various pertinent organizations, including Provincial Secretaries, officers from the Central Environment Authority, officers from the Department of Geology and Mining Excavation, officers from the Department of Agriculture, officers from the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation and representatives from HELP-O.

DSGalle

Galle'sPathtoZeroPlasticWasteCityInitiative Illuminatedat24 IORADayExhibition

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) celebrated its 24th annual event on March 10th, 2024, with a special focus on children's welfare and environmental preservation. Hosted by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with governmental bodies, private organizations, and civil society groups, the occasion spotlighted pioneering projects aimed at fostering sustainable development across the region. Among the distinguished participants, HELP-O, a local partner involved in implementing the Zero Plastic Waste City pilot project in Galle City, shared significant insights and lessons learned from the initiative. This project is supported by the IGES Centre Collaborating with UNEP on Environmental Technologies (CCET), the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka, and the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat) under the umbrella project titled “Marine litter and microplastics: promoting the environmentally sound management of plastic waste and achieving the prevention and minimization of the generation of plastic waste’ (BRS-Norad-1), being implemented in Sri Lanka and Ghana, and featuring global activities

It's noteworthy that HELP-O's impactful initiatives are made possible due to further collaboration and support from USAID CCBO, and The Asia Foundation Their collective efforts exemplify the spirit of cooperation and innovation necessary for addressing complex environmental challenges in the city of Galle

Educating Children and the Public: HELP-O shared their expertise and experiences with children and the public, stressing the significance of environmental conservation and marine protection. Through interactive discussions and educational materials, they effectively conveyed the necessity of preserving the Indian Ocean's ecosystem for future generations.

Showcasing Microplastic Filtration at Hotels:

A highlight of HELP-O's exhibition stall was the demonstration of progress in the pilot project, showcasing the innovative Microplastic Filters installed at two hotels in Galle City Visitors witnessed firsthand how this cutting-edge technology filters microplastics from water sources, safeguarding marine life and habitats The demonstration highlighted practical solutions to combat plastic pollution, a pressing issue in the Indian Ocean region

Live Monitoring of Plastic Pollution using CCTV camera: In a pioneering initiative in the country, HELP-O showcased a live demonstration of the CCTV camera setup designed for monitoring plastic pollution in rivers, in partnership with school students

Real-time footage displayed at the exhibition provided insights into the extent of plastic waste contaminating waterways and its detrimental effects on the environment This initiative underscored the importance of proactive measures in addressing plastic pollution at its source

Waste Management Advocacy: HELP-O presented insights from their comprehensive waste assessment and audit conducted in Galle city By sharing data and recommendations, they advocated for improved waste management practices and highlighted the role of individuals and businesses in reducing plastic waste Additionally, HELP-O distributed a national guidebook tailored to the hospitality sector, offering practical strategies for minimizing plastic usage and promoting sustainable alternatives

Encouraging Civic Engagement: Recognizing the crucial role of public participation in environmental governance, HELP-O raised awareness about civic engagement and showcased the eSabha mobile application Through interactive demonstrations and informational materials, they encouraged citizens to actively participate in local decision-making processes and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

In conclusion, the experience in Galle City showcases innovative solutions and engaging stakeholders, they have demonstrated the power of collective actions towards zero plastic waste cities in safeguarding the rich biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Indian Ocean.

Written by - Supun Suranjith ( Project Officer - HELP-O )

UNVEILING THE MICROPLASTIC MENACE: INSIGHTS FROM WASTEWATER ANALYSIS

In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the presence of microplastics in our ecosystems has emerged as a pressing concern A recent study conducted by the Open University of Sri Lanka and HELP-O sheds light on the extent of microplastic contamination in wastewater, revealing alarming findings and emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate this burgeoning threat

The study focused on analyzing wastewater and treated water samples for microplastic content collected from the Jetwing Light House Hotel in Galle, led by Dr. Yohan Mahagamage, the research aimed to assess the efficacy of treatment processes in removing microplastics from wastewater streams

The analysis, conducted using the NOAA method for microplastic analysis, revealed startling results Untreated wastewater samples, labeled UT1 through UT4, exhibited significantly high concentrations of microplastics, ranging from 8,482 to 11,897 particles per liter These findings underscore the pervasive presence of microplastics in our daily activities, with sources likely stemming from various consumer products and industrial processes

However, amidst the concerning data, a glimmer of hope emerged from the treated water samples

Despite initial contamination, the treatment unit ( The treatment unit, funded by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) ), aims to address environmental concerns demonstrated remarkable efficiency, reducing microplastic concentrations by 98% Treated samples, denoted as T1 through T4, displayed substantially lower levels of microplastics, ranging from 47 to 312 particles per liter. This highlights the potential of effective wastewater treatment in curbing microplastic pollution

Further analysis delved into the types and colors of microplastics present in the samples

Filaments predominated among the identified microplastic types, indicating the prevalence of textilederived particles in wastewater Additionally, a spectrum of colors was observed, with transparent/white and black particles being the most prevalent, reflecting the diverse sources and compositions of microplastics infiltrating our waterways

The implications of these findings extend beyond environmental concerns Microplastic pollution poses significant risks to marine life, human health, and ecosystem integrity. As these minute particles infiltrate food chains and accumulate in the environment, the long-term consequences are ominous. In response to these revelations, concerted efforts must be made at various levels to address the microplastic menace Enhanced wastewater treatment technologies, stringent regulations on plastic use and disposal, and public awareness campaigns are essential components of a multifaceted approach to combat microplastic pollution.

The study conducted by the Open University of Sri Lanka and HELP-O serves as a clarion call for action It underscores the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution and emphasizes the pivotal role of scientific research in informing evidence-based solutions Only through concerted efforts and collective resolve can we safeguard our planet from the perils of microplastic contamination and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

FullyAutomaticFrontLoadingWashingMachines

P Litter CCTV

Riversareoneofthemajorpathwaysofplasticdebrisintotheocean.These plasticsintheriversmaybedisposedofthroughdirectdumpingintotheriver flow,catalyzedbytherainandexacerbatedbythefloodingevents.

Theestimationandfluxmonitoringoffloatingplasticintheriverrequires stationarycamerasforcontinuousimagecapturingatlocationswithrecording evidenceoffloatingplastics.

WeinstalledmultiplecamerasontheMekongRiverneartheGoldenTrianglein ChiangRaiThailandandourcamerashavebeen incontinuousfunctionfrom November2021totilldate TheadvantageofourcameraisAI-enabledto automaticallydetectfloatingplasticsandhavelowcost.

P Litter Plastic Detection Galle so far [ 2023 April 22 - 2024 March 31 ]

Plastic - 528,131

Plastic Bottles - 15156

Straws - 56320

Trash Bag - 1447

Styrofoam - 7585

We can get a detailed anlysis through www.plitter.org website.

CONGRATULATORYMESSAGESFORTHE LAUNCHOFTHESECONDPHASEOFTHE RIGHTTOVOICEPROJECT

On February 6th, representatives from the Right to Voice Project met with Mr Krishantha Mahendra, Secretary to the Chief Minister of the Southern Province, attheChiefMinistryoffice.

The Right to Voice Project team, consisting of consultant Mr. Asoka Siriwardhana, project manager Lahiru Maduranga, and project coordinator Mrs. Anoja Jayasinghe, provided a comprehensive overview of the project's goals, objectives, and planned activities.

Mr. Mahendra engaged in a thorough discussionwiththeteamandexpressed his positive thoughts on the project's potential. He offered valuable insights and suggestions, which will be instrumental in shaping the successful implementation

“Right to voice project is a very useful andimportantconceptformodernlocal governance.Asagovernmentinstitution, we always try to increase public participation in all the governance processes. This will be a very useful way to achieve it and we will give our 100% support for this project to reach good outcomes.

Projectdeliverablesshouldbepresented to all levels of society at the end of the projectandprojectoutputsarethemain measurable components of this project. So, I wish to complete this project with successful outcomes. Also, the e-Sabha application should be updated with the customer’s feedback and then we can turnitintoamoreproductivestage ”

Mr.KrishanthaMahendra SecretarytotheChiefMinistry, SouthernProvince

Mr.RanilWickaramasekara Commissioner, Department of Local Government,SouthernProvince.

Heartiest congratulations on the launch of the "Right to Voice" project and the eSabhaapplication!

This initiative aligns perfectly with our government's commitment to enhancing public participation in local governance The e-Sabha app offers a powerful and accessible platform for citizens to voice their opinions, engage in decision-making, and contribute to shapingtheircommunities.

I need to thank The Asia Foundation, Pact and the Bolstering Civil Society Program for this fund. More-over, we thankHELP-O fortheprojectconcept.

We acknowledge the critical importance of transparency and accountability throughout the project. Presenting deliverables to all levels of society and continuously incorporating customer feedback into e-Sabha's updates are commendable commitments. This open and responsive approach will undoubtedly lead to successful outcomes and a truly productivetool.

We pledge our full support to this project and stand behind its vision of empowering citizens and strengthening local governance. We are confident that the e-Sabha app will be a valuable asset to our communities, fostering meaningfuldialogueandcollaboration

Congratulations again on this importantstepforward

Success Stories of e-Sabha

I am Mohamed Nasrin. Currently, I am working in Social Service and Community Development Sector Also, I am the president of CYSD youth society. I live in Navinna and my local government authority is Bope Poddala Pradeshiya Sabha. As a voluntary, social worker, I used to complain public problems to the Local Government Authority Preveiously, I used postal communication method, telephone communication and letters for this complaining process. But now, I am using e-Sabha application So, Now, I can send my complaints and suggestions through this application easily.

I sent a street lamp malfunction complaint on 16th of January, 2023. Quickly, I got a response from the Bope Poddala Pradeshiya Sabha Now problem is solved They change the bulb and solved the problem. So, I am very happy about this. I am inviting you to use this application This is a very good opportunity for us.

Mr. Mohamed Nasreen Nawinna

CHIEF ADVISIOR

ChathuraWelivitiya

ADVISIORS

Dr.AsokaSiriwardana

Dr.RohanaRathnayake

PadmasiriMoonamale

P.A.Gunathilaka

NadeekaAmarasinghe

LasithaUdaya

BuddhikaSomaratne EDITORS

LahiruUdumalagala

ChandhiDevaki

AnojaJeewanthi

ChamothTeran

HansiSaduTharaka

AmashaKavindi

ChathuraRajitha

YasithaIresha

DESIGHNBY

ChamothTeran

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