Greenpeace launches its South Asia office in Colombo

Greenpeace launched its South Asia regional office in Colombo with the arrival of the iconic ship Rainbow Warrior, marking the beginning of the highly anticipated ‘People For Climate – Greenpeace Indian Ocean Ship Tour 2024’.

The opening ceremony, which was held onboard the Rainbow Warrior set the stage for an inspiring journey focused on collective action demanding accountability and resilience in the South Asian region.“Here in Sri Lanka, we’re experiencing an environmental crisis, with climate change disrupting our agriculture and livelihoods. It’s imperative for us, alongside Greenpeace South Asia and other local environmental movements, to advocate for a dedicated climate change foundation in Sri Lanka.” said Jehan Canagaratna, Environmentalist and Greenpeace South Asia board member.Participants engaged in discussions emphasizing the urgent need for regional collaboration to address pressing environmental issues impacting the marginalised sections of the populations. “Over a billion and a half people live in the South Asian region comprising 8 different countries which are home to some of the most ecologically sensitive regions in the world. Additionally data shows that the region has the second largest share of the global poor.

According to a World Bank report over 800 million South Asians are living in future climate change hotspots, meaning these regions can get increasingly unlivable said Binu Jacob, Executive Director, Greenpeace South Asia/India. Greenpeace South Asia is an attempt at creating one such common platform that can bring together voices from different parts of the South Asian region. There is strength in our numbers said Amruta SN, Campaigner, Greenpeace South Asia/India.Greenpeace will continue its comprehensive program of events until the February 18 engaging with local communities, youth representatives, policymakers and more.

(Source :  Daily News)