I know its not fair to have such a long silence. Since we became active in face book (https://www.facebook.com/groups/119363511453200/) I rarely had time to write a blog. So today I am posting about our new yathra - Kolamba yathra 2015.
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| The logo designed by Dulshan who is our IT volunteer since 2003 |
Introduction
The Kolamba Yathra for Climate Change is the 3rd
Yathra of Eco Friendly Volunteers (ECO-V). Previously, ECO-V has conducted two
other Climate Yathras: the KelaniNadee
Yathra - a river journey for climate justice (2011), and Paapedi, a bicycle journey for climate
justice (2013). The Kolamba Yathra takes place on 19th September
2015, with support from Journeys for Climate Justice (JCJ) Australia,
Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEO), the Good Market, Foundation of
Goodness and IUCN Sri Lanka.
The Kolamba Yathra: An Interfaith Journey for Sustainability
is a one-day program with at least 100 youth of diverse religious and spiritual
backgrounds walking around the city of Colombo-- the commercial capital of Sri
Lanka-- to create awareness on Climate Change.
The youth who are taking part in Yathras gain exposure to ‘green
activities,’ serving as a gateway to personal and community behavioral change,
while establishing groundwork and support for them to become ‘Green Youth Leaders.’
After participating in the Yathra, these engaged youthwill have an opportunity
to conduct their own ‘green project’to combat climate changewithin their own
communities, through the facilitation and support of ECO-V.
Objective
1.
The
main objective of this Yathra is to raise awareness of climate change issues
across the Colombo public, to engage religious and political leadership on
climate change action, and most particularly to engage youth in modeling and
action for eco-friendly, sustainable methods, climate change education and
adaptation, mitigation and biodiversity restoration and conservation efforts.
2.
It
is intended to support the global event, the “People’s Pilgrimage” which is gathering
a global ‘critical mass’ of grassroots and spiritual leaders in an interlinked
global ‘climate Yathra’ or pilgrimage, collecting climate stories, and
gathering local voices and messaging to bring to the global leaders at the
pinnacle inter-governmental climate talks, COP 21, in Paris this November and
December2015. This is undertaken in concert with the Pan-Asian ICE Network, the
African ‘We Have Faith’ climate caravan, and the Our Voices platform.
Methods and Strategies
ECO-V calls for youth participation through social media,
print and electronic media and through various other environmental networks and
their platforms. 100 youth at minimum, representing
Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims, are expected to participate. All Yathrees (the youth who will walk in the
Yathra) will visit a selected religious institute from above the mentioned
religions during the Yathra day along a pre-planned route. They will discuss
respective practices and perspectives (including their own) on climate change
and sustainability.
Once the 100 youth Yathrees
are selected, all will be briefed regarding the Kolamba Yathra route within
Colombo city, along with the education and awareness-raising activities planned
for the general public. From start to finish, the entire event will be
environmentally friendly, and all youth will be trained on such eco-friendly
organizing and eco-friendly lifestyles in general. Youth volunteers will make
props, banners and other material for raising awareness before the date and
will be thoroughly prepared for the event.
The Kolamba Yathra starts off at 9am on 19th
September from the Good Market Racecourse, and loops back around to the Good
Market by 2pm. Participants will then prepare for a 4 pm public event open to
all, featuring Dr. Stephen Bygrave, the CEO of the Australian Beyond Zero Emissions, several Sri
Lankan governmental ministers, a diverse representation of Sri Lankan faith leaders,
and children of the Colombo community. This public event will take place by the
car park of the Colombo Racecourse where the Good Market open-air event is held.
We invite the Sri Lankan corporate sector, NGOs and INGOs,
government and inter-governmental agencies to join with us in these
collaborative efforts, through contributions of funds, in-kind donations, time,and
energy and in-person participation in this Climate Yathra journey. Climate change brings with it an urgent call
to action, and we need everyone, from all walks of life, to come and join
together in solidarity for climate justice.
Through education, outreach and action, we can strive to care for and
protect all beings on this beautiful blue planet.
Expected and Planned Outcomes
1.
The
walk (Yathra) will raise public awareness on climate change issues.
2.
Messaging
will be broadcast Island-wide and globally through media.
3.
Enlisted
social media will help to spread the message more broadly.
4.
A
large photograph of the Kolamba Yathra participants, youth leaders, faith
leaders, special guests and children of Colombo will be taken. This photo will
include sign boards with key messages from Sri Lanka, to be taken at this
occasion, to support and contribute towards Pan-Asian messaging at the COP 21
Climate Talks in Paris.
5.
Youth
who participate in the Yathra will learn more about Climate Change, and
(inter-) faith-based actions towards sustainability and ecologicallyfriendly
initiatives.
6.
Youth
will work further with faith-based groups to strengthen and enhance their
sustainability initiatives such as building eco-friendly religious institutions
as a part of a community youth initiative (within 2 years).
7.
A
video report and written report will communicate the Sri Lankan experience, concerns
and messages regarding climate change, to be shared nationally, regionally and
across global platforms.
6.
Sarvodaya Movement http://www.sarvodaya.org/
8.
Center for environmental Justice http://www.ejustice.lk/
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