Network for Education Children and Youth (NECY) – Sri Lanka

ORGANISATION
Network for Education Children and Youth (NECY)

LOCATION
Godamuduna, Sri Lanka

NECY’s Greenridge project focuses on two vital environmental actions: reforesting mountain areas with native trees and cleaning up litter to prevent pollution. By actively engaging young people from local communities, this initiative aims to restore essential ecosystems while enhancing their capacity to withstand natural disasters such as landslides and floods.

Through tree planting, NECY not only rehabilitates the natural environment but also empowers young individuals to take an active role in strengthening the resilience of their regions against climate-related hazards. This effort supports the long-term sustainability of local ecosystems. Simultaneously, the project’s litter collection activities enable youth to contribute to keeping their surroundings clean, ensuring these areas remain free of pollution and offering protection for both nature and the communities that rely on it.

NECY’s Greenridge project participants

By integrating environmental restoration with disaster preparedness, the project fosters sustainable ecosystems that benefit both nature and local populations. This approach empowers young people to become advocates for their environment, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to tackle future challenges and create a safer, more sustainable world.

From awareness to action, young people lead the way in pushing for climate and disaster resilience. This story and photograph is a part of our celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024. Members from across our network have shared their stories of youth-led or focussed resilience work. It demonstrates that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers today, driving forward local actions that build resilience to disasters and reduce risk.

All photos: Network for Education Children and Youth (NECY)