Forestry Tourism

Jan 09, 2008 (LBO) – A Sri Lankan leisure group is involving tourists in a reforestation project as the country's main tourism promotion body attempts to position the island as an eco-friendly green destination. The Jetwing group says its 'Eternal Earth' project which was kicked off this week at their Hunas Falls Hotel nestled adjacent to a mountain waterfall will help reduce global warming and educate youth and tourists on the benefits of saving the environment.

A hundred acre site in the montane forest area, bordering the hotel is being used for the model re-forestation project which can also be replicated in other climatic zones.

"We believe that there is a strong economic sense in what we are doing," says Jetwing chief Hiran Cooray.

"Globally everyone is talking of climate change and little Sri Lanka can also play a leading role in it."

Each guest staying at a Jetwing hotel would be given a chance to invest in a tree that will be planted at Hunas Falls. They will in return get a Jetwing Eternal Earth Project (JEEP) carbon credit certificate.

Jetwing's Eternal Earth Project is linked to Sri Lanka Tourism's 'Earth Lung' initiative aimed at making Sri Lanka a 'Great Green Destination