With the final objective of becoming carbon neutral, the Hambantota International Port (HIP) has set aside a week to create awareness amongst Port employees on their three sustainability goals, Climate action, life below water, and life on land. Launched last year as an annual event of the port, this year the initiative will see the establishment of a green zone that’s divided into two phases i.e. reforestation and afforestation of land.
Chief Representative of CMG and CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), Johnson Liu says, “In a modern world, sustainability is paramount to the success of any commercial enterprise. At HIP, we firmly believe that environmental conservation and commercial development must go hand in hand”
The Afforestation of the port’s reclaimed land and reforestation, marks a significant milestone in HIP’s journey towards minimising its carbon footprint. The initiatives, that would materialise over the next 3-5 years, aligns seamlessly with the port’s overarching vision of fostering environmental stewardship along with robust commercial infrastructure development.
“While the planting of trees particularly within the Port area and on breakwaters, has a positive impact on the environment, there is the aesthetic factor which one has to take into account especially considering HIP’s development as a cruise ship port, which means we are well connected to tourism in the south of the island. We have already got a number of endorsements and accolades from visiting crews and passengers, who praise the port for its pristineness and foliage cover in and around,” the CEO adds.
The recently concluded ‘Green Week 2024’ which has now become a fixed event in HIP’s annual calendar, serves as a platform to reflect on the port’s achievements, evaluate ongoing projects, and chart a course for future endeavours in carbon offsetting and environmental preservation.
“Since January 2018, HIP has planted a total of 13,371 trees and plants across its premises and neighbouring communities as part of its Green Port initiative. This year alone, we aim to plant over 900 trees, with a projected target of exceeding 17,000 trees within port premises and surrounding community areas by 2028. Our green initiative, encompassing 87 percent land and 13 percent water, fosters biodiversity and supports over 20, species of birds, reptiles, insects, animals, and fish,” Senior General Manager of Human Resources and Administration, Jeevan Premasara remarked.
Every year during ‘Green Week’ HIP will target planting 200 trees with the voluntary assistance of staff, and calculate the offsetting of carbon achieved through the planting. CEO Johnson Liu says “We have always placed great emphasis on becoming a green port and protecting the environment, both flora and fauna are very much a part of our 5 pillar development plan. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is deeply ingrained in our organisational ethos. The end goal is for HIP to become a wholly carbon neutral operation that not only drives commerce but also enriches the lives of our surrounding communities.”
Beyond its ecological endeavours, the presence of thriving coral within HIP’s pristine blue waters stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability.
As HIP continues to chart new frontiers in Green Port initiatives, it remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a harmonious coexistence between commerce and the environment.