The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) hosted “The Big Lunch,” along with iLEAD International Academy and Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), a groundbreaking event aimed at bringing together stakeholders for the promotion of green entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
Members of the Business Chambers, government officials of the Ministry of Environment, representatives of various UN agencies, International and National NGOs/ Civil Society Organisations, Academic and Research Institutions, independent environmentalists and youth were present.
The focus of ‘The Big Lunch’ was to generate action ideas to protect and enhance Sri Lanka’s position by fostering a stronger approach to nature conservation, after being selected as one of the seven UN Flagship programs for mangrove restoration.
The initiative on Green Entrepreneurship for Mangroves employs a tripartite approach, uniting local communities, businesses, and research institutions to coordinate mangrove restoration efforts effectively.
Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change, Ruwan Wijewardene outlined the need to create an environment conducive to open and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders.
This program would show the world that economic growth and environmental conservation can coexist harmoniously. By supporting the development of entrepreneurial ventures that prioritises environmental sustainability, COYLE is paving the way for a greener future, he said.
COYLE members will play a crucial role in this initiative through the establishment of a new Entrepreneur Development Centre, which will provide support and resources to budding entrepreneurs dedicated to green business practices. A key advocate for green entrepreneurship and mangrove restoration in Sri Lanka, Ravi Pratap Singh introduced the project.
He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the businesses, research institutions and institutions working for youth mobilisation at the community level.
While summarising the action ideas that emerged from the Big Lunch, Senior Scientist of CIFOR-ICRAF Dr. Rupesh Bhomia assured their continuing support to this project through the global technical expertise of ICRAF.
Chairman of COYLE, Thushira Raddella said, “We aim to support those who are ready to develop entrepreneurial ventures via supporting the environment, especially conserving the mangroves. Through this, we can show the world that economic growth and environmental conservation can both go hand in hand.
“At COYLE, we believe that not only should we grow our existing entrepreneurs, but also we must promote new avenues of entrepreneurship and innovations.
“The importance of restoring and protecting mangroves is reflected most clearly in SDG 14. But restoring mangrove forests also supports the achievement of many other SDGs, including those related to eliminating poverty and hunger, ensuring livelihoods and economic growth, taking actions against climate change impacts, and halting biodiversity loss.
“We are glad to contribute towards the county’s Sustainability Development Goals through this project,” he said.
