Sri Lanka: #3xRenewables for Job Creation and Economic Growth

People living in Sri Lanka's southern region around Sinharaja, the country largest rainforest, appreciate the value of nature.

Yet, many of them, out of necessity, were turning to logging as a source of income.

A couple of local entrepreneurs had an idea to provide an alternative source of income to the surrounding community, through a sustainable agriculture initiative.

They founded an organic farm and started growing tea in a single garden in a rural village a few kilometers from Sinharaja.

"Agriculture, nature, and people need to co-exist" said the founder of the sustainable farm.

The agricultural farm created jobs for the families in the village. As tea is the farm's main product, most of the jobs created are for tea farming, processing, packaging and distribution.

The farm installed solar panels which power its activities to reduce the farm's emissions. The installation and maintenance of solar panels also create jobs and the locals were trained to gain the required technical skills.

To make sure the tea production does not disrupt its surrounding environment, the farm harvests rainwater to irrigate its diverse crops. It also uses bio-fertilisers from the hand-picked tea and the cows' manure.

Additionally, the farm grows new forest trees in its tea garden, to help protect the 10-hectares of its surrounding rainfores.

The next generation's readiness is key to continue the efforts in nature conservation and the sustainable livelihoods in the community.

Aligned with the government's initiative to include renewable energy as a science subject at schools, the farm collaborates with the local school to raise the youth's awareness on renewables, catalysing a mindset shift fit for a sustainable future.

The farm's impact goes beyond the job creation and raising awareness of the importance of sustainability and clean energy. The farm further empowers its workers through capacity building initiatives and provides the neighbouring villages with economic opportunities along its value chain.

The introduction of sustainable agriculture supported by renewable solutions serves as a catalyst for change in this small community.

Find out more about unlocking the benefits of energy transition and the #3xRenewables – for the planet and its people campaign.