Project BLUEprint- Kalpitiya Workshop
3/23/2015
SriLankan Airlines’ signature eco-tourism project, project BLUEprint, commenced its second phase with a one day awareness programme conducted for the boat operators who are into whales watching industry around Kalpitiya area. The programme was conducted by WDC, the project partner and the world’s leading whale and dolphin conservation charity, and the workshop was attended by over 130 boat operators from the area.
Vanessa Williams Grey, of Whale Dolphin Conservation (WDC) Programme addressing the participants emphasized that Sri Lanka has become an ideal location for conservation of whale and dolphin species. She further added that the Project BLUEprint training programme for local boat operators is of utmost importance and timely as it will contribute to both the development of the emerging whale watching industry as well as to the livelihoods of those who are involved in it.
Andrew Sutton, a professional underwater photographer and WDC member explained the current global situation of the whale and dolphin watching industry and shared his experiences gained from around the world; which included his latest experience of sighting Orcas (killer whales) in the sea areas off Kalpitiya.
SriLankan Airlines Environment unit truly believe the Project BLUEprint is set to change many lives, conserve the environment and enhance an industry which has the potential to be one of the most sustainable ventures in the country.