Environmental Awareness on Bolgoda Ecosystem through Library Services

Abstract

Environmentally literate individuals who deeply understand the complex human interactions with their surroundings could immensely facilitate environmental conservation and sustainable development. Libraries can serve as documented information providers for the above purpose by presenting them user-friendly and readily available approach. Similarly, traditional library interactions with its users could be expanded focusing on the environment and valuable ecosystems. This project presents an attempt to elevate the environmental awareness on Bolgoda ecosystem for engineering undergraduates at the University of Moratuwa utilizing the library induction sessions during three consecutive years. Bolgoda wetlands consisting of two large freshwater lakes and an interconnected river system considered to be the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka, with its footprint on Colombo and Kalutara districts. It is a sensitive ecosystem mainly due to the spatial arrangement neighbouring industrial zones, garbage dumps and variety of human activities with respect to its biodiversity. Bolgoda has been listed as one of the “Threatened Lakes of the Year 2018” by the Global Nature Fund in addition to being “One of the natural wonders that one must see before you die”. Despite protective, preventive, and rectification measures that are in place reinforced by policies, rules and regulations, the damage to this valuable ecosystem seems ongoing. Hence, developing neighbouring community awareness including the students at the University of Moratuwa seems a timely requirement. An attempt was made with this regard since February 2022 by initiating a pilot study focusing fresh engineering undergraduates with the objectives of to develop interactive library induction sessions enabling the undergraduates to develop environmental awareness and the Bolgoda Ecosystem; To evaluate the impact on library induction sessions focused on environmental awareness; To identify creative avenues that a library could facilitate environmental awareness with reference to the Bolgoda ecosystem; To encourage and provide opportunities for undergraduate to engage with environmental awareness and protection focusing the neighbouring Bolgoda lake; Enlighten undergraduates on United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG's) and community responsibilities towards sustainable consumption of natural resources.