Social Momentum Initiative Organization
Region
Asia
Country
Sri Lanka
Flyway
Central Asia
Initiative
WLI Asia-Oceania
About
Name of organisation
Social Momentum initiative organization
Funding support
Currently volunteer activities with the support of friends and individual donors
Number of staff
08
Number of visitors per year
2026: 75
Overall aims of the centre
The Social Momentum Initiative Organization (SMIO) aims to promote and protect human rights, democratic governance, gender equality, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Sri Lanka, particularly among conflict-affected, vulnerable, marginalized, and underserved communities, through community empowerment, civic participation, advocacy, capacity building, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of accountable, inclusive, resilient, and democratic institutions and communities.
Description of the centre
Region: Asia
Country/territory: Sri Lanka
Type of wetland: Peri-urban
Area sqm: 48.39
Habitats and species:
The Vankalai Ramsar Site supports a diverse mosaic of coastal, marine, wetland, and terrestrial habitats that are important for biodiversity, fisheries, migratory birds, and local livelihoods. further the include following Key habitats
01. Lagoons and shallow coastal waters – (provide feeding and nursery areas for fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic species)
02.Intertidal mudflats and tidal flats – (important feeding grounds for migratory and resident shorebirds).
03.Mangrove habitats – (provide breeding, nursery, and shelter areas for fish, crabs, molluscs, and other aquatic organisms while helping protect the coastline).
04.Salt marshes and coastal marshes – (support specialized vegetation and provide feeding and resting areas for waterbirds).
05.Seagrass beds – (important habitats for marine biodiversity, including fish and other organisms, and potentially important for species such as dugongs and sea turtles).
06.Sand dunes and sandy coastal areas – (provide habitat for specialized coastal plants and animals and contribute to coastal protection.
Maritime grasslands and dry-zone scrub – support terrestrial birds, reptiles, mammals, and other wildlife)
07.Shallow marine and intertidal ecosystems – (support diverse marine organisms and contribute to local fisheries.
Species Supported)
The site is particularly important for migratory and resident waterbirds along the Central Asian Flyway. Species associated with the area include:
A. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
B.Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
C.Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
D. Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)
E.Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
F.Indian Spot-billed Duck (Anas pelecorhynchid)
G. Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)
The wider wetland and coastal ecosystem also support fish, prawns, crabs, molluscs and other aquatic organisms, as well as reptiles and marine species. Species of particular conservation importance associated with the Vankalai area include the dugong, green turtle, and saltwater crocodile.
Featured programmes:
1. Vankalai Ramsar Wetland Coastal Pollution Reduction, Ecosystem Protection and Community Stewardship Programme
The programme includes the following activities:
A. Plastic and marine litter reduction
B. Community coastal clean-up activities
C. Waste and marine litter audits
D. Engagement with fishing communities
E. Mangrove and seagrass ecosystem protection
F. Appropriate habitat restoration
G. Community-based environmental monitoring
2. Vankalai Wetland Biodiversity and Migratory Bird Conservation Programme
The programme includes the following activities:
A. Migratory and resident bird monitoring
B. Wetland biodiversity surveys
C. Community and youth biodiversity monitoring
D. Habitat protection and conservation
E. Environmental education and awareness
F. Citizen and community science initiatives
3. Vankalai Climate Resilience, Women and Youth Environmental Leadership Programme
The programme includes the following activities:
A. Climate risk awareness and education
B. Community-based climate adaptation
C. Women’s environmental leadership and participation
D. Youth environmental clubs and leadership activities
E. Community resilience and climate preparedness
F. Sustainable livelihoods linked to ecosystem conservation
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
SMIO’s CEPA work focuses on environmental education, community awareness and participation in wetland, coastal and marine conservation. We engage communities, fishing communities, women and youth through awareness activities, educational programmes, coastal clean-ups, waste audits, biodiversity monitoring, environmental communication and stakeholder dialogue. Our work promotes behaviour change, plastic and marine-litter reduction, responsible waste management, habitat protection, climate resilience and community stewardship of the Vankalai Ramsar Site.
Top three successes
- Community Coastal Clean-ups and Marine Litter Reduction* SMIO has supported community-based clean-up activities that improved coastal areas while increasing community awareness and ownership of environmental protection.
- Environmental Awareness and Youth Engagement SMIO has promoted environmental education and youth participation, helping strengthen environmental awareness, leadership and community involvement.
- Community Environmental Participation SMIO has engaged communities and local stakeholders in identifying environmental concerns and developing practical conservation actions, strengthening local ownership and sustainable participation.
Top three challenges
- Limited Community Participation Some activities experienced lower participation than expected. This showed the importance of early community consultation, local leadership and flexible scheduling
- Limited Resources and Logistics Resource and logistical constraints affected the scale and continuity of some activities. Better advance planning, partnerships and resource mobilization can help address these challenges
- Limited Follow-up and Monitoring Some activities required stronger follow-up and monitoring to maintain results. Regular monitoring, documentation and community-based follow-up should therefore be incorporated from the beginning.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information, Producing written materials, Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor center, Managing / creating habitat, Running a visitor center
Participation
Working with disabled people, Engaging hard-to-reach groups, Engaging young people, Engaging the local community, Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Working with primary schools, Lobbying / running campaigns, Working with secondary schools, Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness, Running effective administration, Health and safety, Project planning
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