Introduction
Addressing climatic issues in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province is the goal of the dynamic digital project known as CAD HUB. The initiative links local reality and global climate challenges by developing a centralised digital platform, encouraging youth-led innovations and community-driven solutions. In order to address environmental concerns like extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and resource constraint, the project focusses on adaption measures, increasing knowledge of local climate issues, and mobilising resources. By working with local stakeholders, the Central Environmental Authority
(CEA), and the British Council, CAD HUB enables communities to take significant climate action
Action
Established social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp to enhance digital outreach and engagement. Created diverse content, including articles, posters, videos, cartoons, and memes, to effectively communicate climate issues. Organized an Art and Photography Competition on “Climate Change & Today’s World” to raise awareness and provide a platform for creative expression, with selected works published by the Knowledge Society. Collaborated with stakeholders, including CEA officers, to collect project details from President’s Medal participants. Initiated website development to connect global and local climate issues. Future plans include launching the CAD HUB Youth Club to ensure project sustainability and community
impact.
Project Objective
• Develop and refine the Centralised Digital Hub platform to address climate challenges specific to the Eastern Province. (Focus on adaptation strategies, community-driven solutions, and youth-led initiatives)
• Publish localised climate issues to raise awareness within the
province and foster collaboration among communities. (As annually,
provide guidance to a new batch of participants under the President’s Medal initiative, with approval from the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), ensuring solutions are tailored to the region’s unique needs.)
Impact and Results
The CAD HUB project has successfully mobilized resources, raised awareness, and driven community-led climate action in Ampara, laying a strong foundation for environmental resilience and innovation. Our social media reach continues to grow, with 366 followers on WhatsApp, 196 on Instagram (20.5k accounts reached), 1,123 on Facebook (11,100 accounts reached), and 79 YouTube subscribers. Community engagement has indirectly impacted environmental pioneers, researchers, and activists, while awareness initiatives and competitions have strengthened collaboration. With a website in development and plans for a youth club, sustainability remains a priority. Moving forward, we aim to establish strong partnerships with the British Council, CEA, and other climate-focused organizations to enhance the hub’s impact.
