🌿 IHRC and SHCCF Launch 100,000 Tree Planting Initiative in Sri Lanka

Dawid Szablowski — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:40:22 +0000

First Phase Targets Schools and Religious Centres in Ratnapura

Ratnapura, Sri Lanka – 19 October 2025

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), in collaboration with the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF), has officially launched the first phase of the 100,000 Tree Planting Project in Ratnapura. The initiative, which aligns with the European Union’s Climate Pact, focuses on educational and religious institutions as key partners in addressing the global climate crisis.

The inaugural ceremony was held at St. Aloysius’ College in Ratnapura, coinciding with the institution’s 127th anniversary celebrations. The project’s opening activities were conducted simultaneously at three locations — St. Aloysius’ College, Ratnapura Maulli Kovil, and the Ananda Maithree Sangharaja Maha Viharaya in Ratnapura New Town.

Under the leadership of Mr. Anura Vitharana, Regional Coordinator for IHRC and President of the IHRC–SHCCF Environmental Protection Project, the program was organised with precision and community involvement. Students from the St. Aloysius’ College Scout Group played an active role, providing both labour and enthusiasm to ensure the project’s successful start.

“We are doing this for the future generation”

Addressing the participants, Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Commissioner of Sri Lanka for IHRC Corporation and Founder & Director General of SHCCF, stressed the urgency of global environmental action.

“The world is currently facing a massive challenge due to climate change. In response to this crisis, the International Human Rights Commission is actively implementing initiatives globally in line with the European Union’s Climate Pact. This 100,000 tree planting project in Sri Lanka is one such programme,”
said Dr. Dissanayake.

He reaffirmed IHRC’s long-term commitment to sustainable development, adding:

“We are doing all of this for the future generation, and we are committed at any moment to creating a safe environment for them.”

Dr. Dissanayake also extended warm congratulations to St. Aloysius’ College on its milestone anniversary, underlining IHRC’s readiness for continued collaboration with local institutions.

Community support and interfaith cooperation

The event brought together representatives from diverse faiths and institutions. Blessings were bestowed upon the gathering by Ven. Delwala Muditha Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Ananda Maithree Sangharaja Maha Viharaya, and M. Mugunan Sami of the Ratnapura Maulli Kovil, symbolising harmony and shared responsibility for the environment.

Distinguished attendees included IHRC Commissioner Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, IHRC SMM ZVC Mr. Anura Witharana, Mr. Kalpa Sri Lal, Mr. Pathum Madushan, Mr. Vihanga Dayawansa, and Dr. Ravi Naggaraja, Vice President of the United Nations Association. The Provincial Director of Education and several local dignitaries also honoured the ceremony with their presence.

The people of Ratnapura played a vital role in the project’s success, providing the saplings used in the tree planting. In recognition of their contributions, IHRC presented certificates of appreciation to all participants and partners.

This initiative represents not only an environmental milestone but also a testament to IHRC’s global mission of fostering intergovernmental cooperation, civic responsibility, and the preservation of natural ecosystems for generations to come.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake
Commissioner of Sri Lanka – Investigative Journalist, IHRC

Photographs by: Pethum Madhushan

No Caption

The post 🌿 IHRC and SHCCF Launch 100,000 Tree Planting Initiative in Sri Lanka first appeared on ihrc.news.

IHRC and CSIR-FORIG Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Climate Diplomacy in West Africa

Dawid Szablowski — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:29:12 +0000

Fumesua, Kumasi, Ghana – April 8, 2025

The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation, through its National Coordination Office for Côte d’Ivoire, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG). This collaboration aims to bolster regional efforts in climate diplomacy, sustainable development, and environmental resilience within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.

A Unified Approach to Climate Action

The partnership was formalized at CSIR-FORIG’s headquarters in Fumesua, near Kumasi, Ghana. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a joint commitment to:

Implement regional agroforestry and forestry support programs, focusing on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Develop technical concepts and strategies for national adaptation plans (NAPs) and nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
Provide technical and financial assistance to ECOWAS member states in organizing electoral observations and executing sustainable development projects.

This initiative aligns with IHRC’s broader mission to promote human rights, good governance, democracy, and environmental sustainability across West Africa.

Key Stakeholders and Signatories

The MoU was signed by:

Mr. Vamara Fofana, IHRC Country Representative and Regional Project Coordinator for Côte d’Ivoire.
Dr. Kwame Antwi Oduro, Director and Principal Research Scientist at CSIR-FORIG.

Other notable attendees included:

Dr. James Amponsah, Research Scientist and Head of the National Tree Seed Centre, CSIR-FORIG.
Dr. Eng. Prosper Mensah, Research Scientist, CSIR-FORIG.

Support from the African Development Bank

The collaboration is further strengthened by support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), particularly through its Climate Action Window (CAW). This backing underscores the significance of the partnership in addressing climate change challenges and promoting sustainable development in the region.

Advancing Environmental Diplomacy

This partnership exemplifies a proactive approach to environmental diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling climate change. By integrating scientific research with human rights advocacy, IHRC and CSIR-FORIG aim to:

Enhance biodiversity conservation and combat desertification.
Strengthen community resilience to climate-induced challenges.
Promote sustainable land management practices across ECOWAS member states.

Looking Ahead

As preparations for COP29 intensify, this partnership positions IHRC and CSIR-FORIG at the forefront of regional climate initiatives. Their collaborative efforts are expected to serve as a model for similar alliances, fostering a unified and effective response to environmental challenges in West Africa.

For more information on CSIR-FORIG’s initiatives, visit their official website.

Article prepared by:
Fofana Vamara—IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Journalist

The post IHRC and CSIR-FORIG Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Climate Diplomacy in West Africa first appeared on ihrc.news.

Sustainability - ihrc.news