Keeping Marawila Coastal Beauty Alive – A Walkers Tours Sustainability Initiative

Along a 200-meter stretch of the Holy Cross Shrine Beach, volunteers collected around 7 kg of nurdles and over 15 kg of plastic and other waste discarded by visitors. The project contributed directly to SDG 14 – Life Below Water, by helping protect marine ecosystems from plastic pollution, while also raising awareness on responsible consumption among visitors and the local community, aligning with SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

Beyond the cleanup, the team carried out a tree-planting activity at Marawila Osu Uyana, an important space for community health and education. Ankenda herbal plants—renowned in Ayurveda for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties—were planted, while a donation was also made to support the ongoing development of Osu Uyana, ensuring its sustainability for future generations. This effort contributed to SDG 15 – Life on Land, by enhancing biodiversity, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, by fostering nature-friendly community spaces. Snacks for volunteers were sourced from women-led village businesses, providing livelihood support and promoting local entrepreneurship.

The initiative was further strengthened with the expertise of Pearl Protectors and the “Reconnect with Nurdle Free Lanka Initiative,” who supported with sieves and technical advice for nurdle collection. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Dilip Fernando for his valuable assistance in coordinating with the Marawila community.

Through this initiative, Walkers Tours continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and community development. The Marawila cleanup highlights the importance of collective action in preserving touristic and sacred sites, ensuring they remain clean, vibrant, and thriving for both locals and visitors. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen waste management strategies at Marawila Beach.

By aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, we actively contribute to building a more sustainable, resilient, and responsible future for Sri Lanka’s communities and ecosystems.