When the tsunami struck in December 2004, RRI’s board of directors decided to temporarily halt conservation programs for a period of one year to assist with humanitarian relief efforts. During the aftermath of the tsunami, RRI collaborated with partner organizations Counterpart international, Both Ends, Rainforest Concern, Australian Foundation for the People’s of the Asia and Pacific (AFAP), and Solidar to mobilize a strong and rapid response.

RRI’s Tsunami Response Program consists of 3 phases: emergency response food and water security sustainable rehabilitation

RRI is currently implementing projects as part of the sustainable rehabilitation phase – the Coastal Community Restoration Project and the Green Canopy Program near Tangalle.

As the need for tsunami related relief work winds down, RRI is now turning its attention back to the many environmental problems plaguing Sri Lanka – severe soil erosion, decreasing fish stocks, biodiversity loss, flooding and landslides associated with deforestation, and coastal vulnerability to storms, rising sea levels and tsunamis due to severe coastal ecosystem degradation.

Please click on the projects links to learn more about how we are helping Sri Lanka address these problems.