The ocean and our livelihoods are inextricably linked; more so in our beautiful island home of Sri Lanka.

While the impacts of climate change and unsustainable seafood harvesting threaten the livelihoods of local fisherman, Dilmah Conservation, our conservation partner, is changing this.

Seaweed is an often overlooked product of our oceans, especially in Sri Lanka, where its use has been minimal. Dilmah Conservation, in partnership with the National Aquaculture Development Authority is currently training ten local fishermen in the country’s east coast, specifically in Mannar’s Arripu and Pesalei locations, in a pilot project to increase seaweed farming. While serving as a local ingredient in our menus at our resorts, the sale of this Kappaphycus alvarezii or elkhorn sea moss harvest, both locally and globally, will directly uplift the lives of these fishermen by providing them with a sustainable alternate livelihood.

This World Oceans Day, we take great pride in highlighting the efforts of this very first harvest in our menus offering exquisite dishes featuring seaweed by our incredible chefs at Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

Taking this opportunity to create awareness on protecting our oceans and exploring the link between oceans and our lives, we hope to further encourage a culture of change and respect for our oceans among our guests and ambassadors.