For the communities living along Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, the impacts of climate change aren’t a distant threat, they’re a daily reality. Floods, droughts, and rising sea levels have reshaped lives and livelihoods, especially for women and girls.
Access to healthcare, particularly in terms of sexual and reproductive health is often out of reach during disasters. Caregiving responsibilities multiply. The threat of gender-based violence rises. And the voices of women and youth are too often left out of the climate conversation.
But what happens when youth is empowered to lead climate action?
Youth as Catalysts of Change
In January 2025, supported by the Government of Japan, UNFPA Sri Lanka in partnership with the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) and the Group Action for Social Order (GAFSO), youth in two coastal towns, Kinniya in Trincomalee and Savukkadi in Batticaloa took the lead in organizing community-wide climate action.
Over two days, 54 young people mobilized local authorities, persons with disabilities, and community members to take part in:
- Tree planting drives
- Beach cleanups
- Sand sculpture contests
- Games and interactive sessions on climate, gender and SRHR
These weren’t just activities. They were entry points for conversations to talk about gender, rights and environment, for community building, and for action that lasts beyond the day. The hands-on approach including interactive games, conversations, and sand sculpting contests, promoted awareness on marine pollution, bio-diversity degradation, and climate change.
Small Grants. Big Change.
This initiative supported through UNFPA’s Climate and Social Cohesion Grant, encouraged young changemakers to sustain eco-friendly practices through practical knowledge, reinforcing their role in climate resilience by supporting the national environmental sustainability agenda.
Among other projects supported by UNFPA through its Climate and Social Cohesion Grant, includes:
- Soba Kantha - a plastic recycling initiative
- Vikalpani - promoting indigenous seed farming
- CDC - cultivation of indigenous yam
- Star Mushroom - pioneering mycelium-based eco packaging
These initiatives serve as a classic example of small grants that promote big change by connecting the dots between climate, health and human rights through grassroot community-led projects that are both inclusive and people-centered.
Undoubtedly, climate resilience begins at the local level and grows stronger when women and youth are empowered to lead. UNFPA is proud to support youth and women across Sri Lanka in fostering a climate resilient future for all.
