By Chathushka Perera
COLOMBO (CWBN)_ In the 21st century it has become common place to watch the lingering essence of nature’s grandeur deteriorate with the many and increasing human influences. Nonetheless, not all actors are committed to this unseemly tradition.
‘Save the Oceans’, a global, three month initiative is currently underway with the objective of raising awareness on the damages inflicted to both the ocean and oceanic biodiversity. At the same time, the campaign hopes to raise awareness regarding the sustainability of the Sri Lankan tourism industry.
In the form of a virtual children’s competition, ‘Save the Oceans’, was initiated under the guidance of Hilton Hotels Sri Lanka with a technological partnership with ‘Big Spark’ by Gateway and support from SOS Children’s Villages, A+ Plus Kids, Yes101 and Funday Times.
Participants between the ages 3 to 16 are required to make submissions, prior to the 15th of November, under several categories, including a poster competition, essay and creative writing, poetry, aquarium designing, ocean exploration and clean up robot designing and video game development. Winners will be receiving attractive prizes.
The organizers hope to sponsor the release of a baby turtle into the ocean and the removal of one kilogram of plastic from the ocean per submission made. The campaign expects to reach target schools across Sri Lanka along with up to 50,000 children from 12 countries in the Asia Pacific region, namely India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, South Korea and Japan.
“The more submissions we receive, the more we collect and release”, stated Christopher Zappia, Commercial Director of Hilton Hotels Sri Lanka.
