Over recent months in Sri Lanka, we have seen a growing concern from individuals and organisations about the causes and effects of climate change. World Environment Day 2008 makes the most of this growing awareness with the theme “Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy”. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, the United Nations Environment Programme is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on their carbon emissions and how to reduce them.

In response to this theme, RRI is launching an innovative community membership programme as part of the Galle Rainforest City project. Members are encouraged to make positive lifestyle changes to reduce their carbon footprints, and plant trees to lock-up their personal carbon emission, to help in the global struggle against global warming. On World Environment Day we are running two public events which we are pleased to invite you to:

School competition:
Five schools in Galle have been chosen to be the first Rainforest City Member Schools. Each school has been asked to develop an idea for a project to reduce carbon emissions and to lock up carbon, by increasing the number of native trees in Galle. They will present their projects to a panel of judges on World Environment Day, and the winning school will receive the Rainforest City Schools Trophy.

As Rainforest City members, each school will also be given support by RRI to turn their projects into reality. As part of the programme, students will complete an important survey to record which rainforest flora and fauna currently exist in their area. This will enable the community to protect these areas so that the trees – especially the oldest and most important trees in which the greatest amounts of carbon are locked up – will continue to help stabilise the climate for future generations.

New native tree nursery:
RRI will be opening a new native tree nursery to give easy access to a rich diversity of trees that celebrate Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. Not only will the trees help lock up carbon, they are all endemic to Sri Lanka.

As part of creating a green future for our children, RRI is encouraging people to buy native trees for their children and grandchildren. In fact, by the time a child is 40 years old, their personal tree will have absorbed as much carbon as their parents will have produced cooking for the whole family over the same period!

Special offer for opening:

• In honour of the opening, the first 50 people to buy a tree will be given a second one free
• Each person who buys a tree from the RRI nursery will also become a member of the Rainforest City programme.

Event details:

Don't worry if you miss the opening - there is still the chance to buy a tree and help lock-up the carbon we emit in our daily lives. The nursery will be open every working day from 10am- 4pm for anyone wanting to buy these special trees or ask advice about growing native plants.

›Find out more about the Rainforest City programme

If you would like to get involved in this project, or want more information, please contact us.