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Sajitha Prematunge
Nature conservation and experience of nature rarely go hand in hand.
Wildlife documentaries and so-called education programs have often
facilitated the destruction of ecological hotspots in Sri Lanka. However
Green Walk is a ‘wildlife show’ of a different kind.
 It’s not your average travel program. Although each episode features
a destination of aesthetic beauty in Sri Lanka, Green Walk also focuses
on the educational aspect. The show draws attention to endemic and
threatened species in the area and the ecological significance of
certain locales. The show is also an attempt to promote ecotourism.
“The world has gone down from 25 ecological hot spots to as little as
10,” says its director P. Samarawickrama. Consequently he reiterates the
fact that one of the priorities for Sri Lanka should be conserving its
ecological resources.
“No matter how much we talk about conservation it never registers in
the minds of our people,” says Samarawickrama. “The best way to get
through to them is to instill in them a love of nature.” Samarawickrama
says that by showing them the real beauty of nature and the aesthetic
beauty of Sri Lanka a sort of pride can be inculcated in people that
would hopefully inspire them to become conservationists themselves.
The crew - conservationists at heart - is clearly passionate about
what they do. “We are not in it for the money, we truly believe in this
cause,” said the director. In fact the crew had to spend their own money
on the first few episodes of Green Walk. “We believe that all wildlife
including plants, living beings have the full right to co-exist with the
human race. We are very careful even while shooting, not to disturb
wildlife.”
“We are well aware of the destruction caused by tourism to habitats
of Sri Lanka.” As the director explained that’s exactly why they chose
not to give out specific locations of the ecologically vulnerable spots
they visit in the program. “We can’t even walk near a waterfall without
stepping on a broken glass bottle.”
 However he claimed that deeds of a few irresponsible individuals
should not prevent everyone from experiencing nature.” In fact the Green
Walk team has made it a point to educate people of the destruction
caused by travelers.
The program is backed by not only professionals in the field like
script writer Jagath Kanaharaarachchi, producer Ruwan Ratnayake of
Climax Audio Visual, presenter Prasangi Kodithuwakku and sponsors like
the National Lotteries Board but also a thousand strong Face Book
volunteer group.
“We hope to conduct plastic collection and recycling programs
islandwide at least twice a month in the near future,” said the
director.
“We are prepared to help anyone who works for wildlife conservation
in Sri Lanka.”Bringing to mind the idiom ‘distance makes the heart grow
fonder’ director Samarawickrama says that although resident Sri Lankans
are oblivious to the natural beauty that surrounds us, expatriates could
vouch for feelings of nostalgia and longing for the familiar greenery.
The director strongly believes that conserving natural resources is a
national duty.
The Green Walk team invites all to experience nature, with the
program, every Monday at 6.30 p.m. and help protect our natural
resources for future generations. And most of all remember take only
photos, leave only footsteps. |
