Sri Lanka has officially launched the CORRAL (Conservation of Reefs for All Lives and Livelihoods) Conservation Trust Fund, a landmark initiative aimed at safeguarding the country’s vital coral reef ecosystems. The fund will focus on protecting Pigeon Island National Park, Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary, Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary, and their associated marine landscapes, marking a major advancement in long-term environmental financing.
The Trust was established through a formal Deed signed by the Settlor, Environment Foundation (Guarantee) Ltd (EFL), together with the Board of Trustees. It forms a key component of the Sri Lanka Coral Reef Initiative (SLCRI), a six-year programme funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
EFL played a crucial role in operationalizing the Trust, providing legal and policy expertise that shaped the Trust Deed. Their review ensured that governance structures meet the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and professional management. EFL will also guide the Trust’s operational setup, reinforcing its long-term sustainability.
“This initiative is more than a conservation programme it represents a lasting financial mechanism to protect coral reefs, which are essential for marine biodiversity, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of coastal communities,” said Dr. Shamen Vidanage, IUCN Sri Lanka Country Representative.
The Board of Trustees, carefully selected for their expertise and commitment, includes Palitha Gamage, Prof. (Ms.) Sevvandi Jayakody, Nalin Karunatileka, Dr. (Ms.) Nishanthi Perera, Chanaka Wickramasuriya, and Nishad Wijetunga. Their oversight ensures the Trust will meet its objectives while maintaining professional management and accountability.
Unlike time-bound conservation projects, the CORALL CTF is designed to operate beyond the six-year SLCRI programme, offering a platform for mobilizing further private, government, and international funding for marine ecosystem conservation.
EFL highlighted the significance of this milestone, reflecting the organization’s 45-year commitment to environmental justice, policy development, and public interest advocacy. The creation of the CORAL Trust Fund exemplifies innovative approaches to financing nature conservation in Sri Lanka, ensuring that the country’s coral reefs receive the protection and resources necessary for their long-term survival.
By combining financial sustainability with scientific and policy oversight, the CORAL Conservation Trust Fund sets a precedent for long-term environmental stewardship. This initiative promises to protect Sri Lanka’s coral reefs while supporting the resilience of coastal communities that depend on these fragile ecosystems.
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