Hafsa is driven by a vision for a sustainable future where Sri Lanka’s next generation leads in conservation. A Colombo resident, Hafsa has dedicated their career to strengthening climate resilience, especially through nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems and protect coastal communities from the impacts of climate change. With a deep commitment to fostering community involvement, Hafsa sees their work as a stepping stone for younger generations to rise to the occasion, take ownership, and continue the fight for a thriving future that Sri Lankans deserve. This has become even more urgent following major human-induced environmental disasters, such as the 2021 catastrophic nurdle spill, which released billions of plastic pellets into Sri Lanka’s waters, devastating marine life and polluting local beaches.
As Programmes Manager for the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), Hafsa champions projects that create meaningful impact for both people and nature. LEF, founded to drive collaborative and science-based solutions to Sri Lanka’s pressing environmental issues, funds and supports grassroots initiatives that target ecosystem restoration and climate resilience across the country. One of Hafsa’s leading initiatives, the Mannar Region Systemic Solutions Project (MARESSOL), addresses abandoned fishing gear along Sri Lanka’s northwest coast, which comprises 41% of local marine debris. By developing systems to encourage recycling within the fisheries industry, Hafsa and their team have already seen measurable improvements in preserving vital marine habitats for local fishing communities.
Through these efforts and more, Hafsa brings LEF’s mission to life, fostering a resilient and sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. With that, they believe in the power of collaborative action, bringing together local and global partners to amplify LEF’s mission against environmental degradation.
For Hafsa, partnerships prove to young conservationists that sustainable development can be achieved through creative and collaborative problem-solving, and can be led by local leaders on the ground. Through every project, Hafsa is setting an example of what future-forward conservation looks like: science-driven, community-centred, and committed to lasting impact. Their work builds a pathway for future generations in Sri Lanka to lead with purpose, compassion, and resilience, inspiring others to carry the torch in a fight for a balanced and sustainable environment.
