U.S. Supports Water Quality Improvements for Beira Lake
Project introduces schoolchildren to environmental issues
Colombo, March 31, 2006: The United States introduced a new initiative to measure the water quality of Beira Lake. This effort is part of an environmental project that involves schoolchildren in the testing process to help develop their interest in safeguarding the environment.
The Community-Led Environmental Awareness Network (CLEAN) was developed by the U.S. Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) three years ago to increase awareness of the impact of air and water pollution on community health in Sri Lanka. Educated communities, especially children, can help to prevent pollution while encouraging enforcement of environmental regulations, project officials said.
The Community-Led Environmental Awareness Network (CLEAN) was developed by the U.S. Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) three years ago to increase awareness of the impact of air and water pollution on community health in Sri Lanka. Educated communities, especially children, can help to prevent pollution while encouraging enforcement of environmental regulations, project officials said.
The Community-Led Environmental Awareness Network (CLEAN) was developed by the U.S. Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) three years ago to increase awareness of the impact of air and water pollution on community health in Sri Lanka. Educated communities, especially children, can help to prevent pollution while encouraging enforcement of environmental regulations, project officials said.
“Environmental management remains a challenge in Sri Lanka,” USAID Mission Director Dr. Carol Becker said at the project’s dedication. “Better understanding of the impact on health will lead to a sharper focus on taking care of the environment. Monitoring can help us identify pollution, but we must also take proactive measures for prevention. As a former teacher, I applaud the involvement of students in the project, who are the decision-makers of tomorrow.“
With financial support from the Institute of International Education and US-AEP, the project is managed by the environmental division of the Industrial Services Bureau, a local NGO. The program has introduced air and water quality projects in Kandy, Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya, and Colombo.
In the Beira Lake water quality initiative, students measure water quality indicators such as levels of dissolved oxygen and chemicals such as phosphates. This hands-on work will help students learn about the sources of pollution, and its relationship to human health. School-based environmental groups discuss related issues and raise awareness of their impact. The groups encourage expanding the debate to their communities, and engaging decision-makers on air and water quality issues.
“The United States underwent an environmental awakening three decades ago,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jeffrey Lunstead. “We encourage Sri Lanka to learn from the positive results of our experience that investment in the environment yields long-term benefits.”
Dr. Becker noted that USAID is commemorating 50 years of partnership with Sri Lanka in 2006, and will continue to participate in developing the country’s clean and healthy environment for the benefit of future generations.