Ocean Care: Transforming Hikkaduwa Beach through Sustainable Initiatives

Hikkaduwa beach, once a pristine haven, now grapples with the detrimental effects of irresponsible human activities, particularly those linked to tourism. The repercussions include climate change threats, pollution, and harm to coral reefs and sea biodiversity. Responding to these challenges is “Ocean Care,” a six-month beach cleaning initiative by the Foundation of Goodness.

The ‘Environment and sustainability’ is one of the main divisions of the Foundation of Goodness.  The main objective is the “Ocean Care,” programme is to contribute to the revitalisation of Hikkaduwa beach and the mitigation of environmental challenges. The initiative involves daily beach cleaning, meticulous waste categorization, and the creation of a comprehensive local database. To ensure success, the Foundation of Goodness dedicates one employee for the entire duration, emphasizing their commitment to fostering sustainable practices and community engagement.

The project which kicked off on the 18th of November 2023, focuses on strategic waste disposal plan, utilising large wooden bins for glass, plastic, and king coconut waste, aligns with the Foundation’s ethos of making a positive impact on both communities and the environment. Tourists are actively involved in the beach cleaning process, emphasizing responsibility and advocating for sustainable tourism practices. This collaborative effort not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also contributes to the Foundation’s broader mission of creating lasting, positive change in Sri Lanka’s rural landscapes.

Some of the proposed activities under the “Ocean Care” programme range from, Daily Beach Cleaning with Categorised Waste Collection, where  a dedicated team engages in systematic beach cleaning, categorizing waste into distinct groups for immediate removal and effective waste management. The project will also employ A skilled individual to conduct daily waste analysis, categorising and documenting collected items, contributing to the development of a detailed local database. Large wooden bins were also strategically placed to collect glass, plastic, and king coconut waste, promoting sustainable waste disposal practices. This project hopes to utilizing social media, to create international awareness to the campaign by sharing regular updates, success stories, and insights from waste analysis.

The “Ocean Care” projects implement a dynamic data-driven approach. By meticulously categorising and analysing daily collected waste, the project creates a local database that guides immediate waste management and serves as a valuable resource for community workshops and presentations. Real-time insights enable informed awareness campaigns, merging grassroots efforts with global impact through innovative, informed decision-making.

“Ocean Care,” by the Foundation of Goodness, aspires to leave a long lasting mark on the Hikkaduwa beach, setting a precedent for sustainable coastal preservation initiatives locally and worldwide. Through a comprehensive approach, community involvement, and innovative data-driven strategies, this initiative aims to create a positive and lasting impact on the environment, fostering a global community engaged in responsible environmental practices.