Author: Nathasha Silva
Conservation Conversations – A Platform for Dialogue
Session: Co-existing with Urban Snakes Conservation is not just about saving wildlife – it’s about understanding how all living things, including people, depend on each other. As urbanisation expands and ecosystems shrink, the need for meaningful conversations around conservation has never been more urgent. How do we share our spaces with nature? How can we ensure that plants and animals thrive without unnecessary human interference? These are the discussions that shape the future of our planet. Conservation Conversations is a space designed to spark discussions on urgent environmental topics, providing insights from field experts through monthly sessions. The initiative was launched with a Snakes Workshop, our first session held in February. Herpetologist and snake rescuer, Bhasuru Prabashwara, shared knowledge on coexisting with snakes. The session featured detailed presentations on snake identification and demonstrations on handling snake encounters, debunking myths, and addressing personal experiences. Nothing is clearer than showing it in action; he demonstrated step-by-step what to do when a snake is encountered, how to manage fear, ensure safety, and handle the situation correctly without harm to either the animal or the person. The engaging discussion attracted a diverse audience, including students, undergraduates, environmentalists, and retired officers. We look forward to expanding these sessions, with the One Earth Research Centre in Moratuwa serving as the primary venue for future ‘Conservation Conversations’ events. By fostering open dialogue and increasing awareness, we hope to inspire collective action toward meaningful conservation efforts.
Naturetoons: Conservation Through Cartoons
They say pictures speak louder than words, and when it comes to conservation, art has the power to illustrate what words alone cannot. In a world where environmental degradation is often met with indifference, where warnings about pollution and climate change fall on deaf ears, a single image can cut through the noise. A cartoon, drawn with insight and humour, can capture attention, evoke emotions, and inspire action. That’s exactly what our Naturetoon artist, Awantha Artigala, does best. Through our Naturetoons, found on our Dilmah Conservation social pages, we bring conservation messages to life in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. His illustrations make complex environmental issues accessible to all, breaking down scientific concepts such as desertification, into visually compelling narratives, where the planet would be like a fish without water. Capturing Nature’s Delicate Warning Signs; take lichens, for instance, those tiny organisms serve as nature’s early warning system, alerting us to harmful air pollutants like ammonia. Research conducted in the Rilagala forest near the Dilmah One Earth Climate Change Research Centre highlights their role as bioindicators in assessing air quality, contributing to broader climate monitoring efforts. Awantha’s art beautifully captures this significance, translating scientific insights into visual narratives that emphasise the delicate balance of our environment. Highlighting Other Critical Conservation Issues such as the rapid disappearance of wetlands around the world due to ill-planned urbanisation, rampant pollution, and human-induced climate change. These vital ecosystems, which provide habitat for countless species and regulate water cycles, are being drained for development, replaced with concrete, and subjected to harmful runoff. These toons vividly illustrate these issues, making the urgency of conservation clear. The growing number of endangered species is a clear sign of a worsening environmental crisis. The Red Data Book depicts this crisis, reminding us that protecting biodiversity isn’t just about saving species, it’s about preserving the delicate balance of life that keeps our planet thriving. By blending artistry with awareness, Naturetoons go beyond traditional conservation messaging. They invite viewers to pause, reflect, and most importantly, take action. Whether it’s understanding the balance of an ecosystem or realising the personal responsibility each of us holds, these cartoons make a lasting impression. Scroll through our feed, and you’ll know exactly what we mean.