DOLE LANKA
Biodiversity Means Business:
A Decade of Impact,
A Future of Action
“We’re proud to be part of a community that’s driving change through science, collaboration and long-term commitment to the planet”
General Manager
For Dole Lanka, protecting biodiversity is not a solo mission – it’s about collaborating with the right people to drive large-scale impact. That’s what inspired the company to join Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) and align its sustainability journey with expert led conservation efforts across the island.
“Partnerships can deliver more outputs than an individual effort. BSL is a reputable organisation that has taken many initiatives to safeguard Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and environment. They also work with the most qualified experts in the country,” says General Manager Ricardo Yanez.
This belief in collective action continues to guide Dole’s environmental strategy – anchored in science, community collaboration and a deep respect for natural ecosystems.
MANGROVE RESTORATION Dole Lanka’s flagship biodiversity initiative is its role in Life to Our Mangroves (LOM), a multi-partner project in Anawilundawa, one of Sri Lanka’s Ramsar designated wetland sanctuaries. Once degraded by shrimp farming, this critical ecosystem is now undergoing a transformation thanks to the efforts of public, private and community stakeholders.
He says: “Dole Lanka partly funded the mangrove restoration project in Anawilundawa, which has been selected as a World Restoration Flagship by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Sri Lanka has achieved a significant milestone by being recognised by the UN for these restoration efforts – and we are proud to be part of that achievement.”
The LOM project is implemented under the jurisdiction of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) with coordination by BSL. Dole Lanka has committed to restoring three hectares of the total 10 hectare site, reaffirming its support for nature based solutions that reduce Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate change.
“This is about more than planting mangroves – it’s about reducing climate risk, restoring ecosystems and supporting local communities with sustainable livelihoods,” Yanez asserts.
EARLY IMPACT From August 2024 to February this year, the project made notable progress across restoration, community engagement and scientific research. Mangrove cover has begun to improve and local participation in site activities has increased.
He says: “The next phase is to carry out a socioeconomic survey so that we can develop a climate adaptive strategy for the local community, which is exposed to extreme weather.”
This community focussed approach is central to the project’s long-term goals. “Mangrove development will provide a nature based solution for livelihood engagement. The survey will help us understand how best to support that,” Yanez avers.
REGENERATIVE MODEL Beyond its work in conservation, Dole Lanka is also reimagining agriculture through a regenerative lens. He says: “Our research mission is to develop innovative sustainable agricultural practices that transform conventional farming into more environmentally friendly systems.”
One of the organisation’s major milestones was the implementation of herbicide free farming across all Dole Lanka plantations since 2018. This shift was achieved through in-house innovations, replacing synthetic agrochemicals with organic substitutes.
“Our regenerative agriculture strategy focusses on improving land productivity, enhancing soil health, reducing dependency on synthetic inputs, conserving water, and boosting above and below ground biodiversity,” Yanez explains.
To support this strategy, Dole has established a range of facilities including a microbiology lab, vermicomposting unit, biological composting system and compost tea brewing operation – creating a holistic ecosystem for sustainable production.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY Dole Lanka sees its sustainability efforts as part of a broader movement aligned with global objectives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its work contributes directly to SDGs on climate action, life on land and sustainable agriculture.
Yanez believes the private sector has a crucial role to play. “Investing in nature is not only good for the environment – it’s a business imperative. We’re proud to be part of a community that’s driving change through science, collaboration and long-term commitment to the planet,” he affirms.
Telephone 4641050 | Email hr.lanka@doleintl.com | Website www.sunshineforall.com
