Our Contribution to the Global Goals

At Experience Udawalawe, sustainability is not an add-on — it is the foundation of everything we do. Every refill, every shared meal, and every tradition passed on to a guest is part of a larger journey. A journey where choices made in our village ripple outward to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — a global vision for a greener, fairer future.

This page shares how our work connects to the SDGs, through both our core commitments and the guest experiences we create.

Our Core Commitments

Reduction of Single-Use Plastics

We replace plastics with natural, reusable alternatives — clay pots, glass bottles, and banana leaves. Guests enjoy Sri Lankan hospitality the way it was meant to be, while nature stays free of harmful waste.

Clean Water & Sanitation

Every refill keeps Udawalawe's rivers clear and safe for wildlife.

Responsible Consumption

Natural, reusable options replace disposables.

Life on Land

Cutting plastics protects elephants, birds, and ecosystems.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Tourism must strengthen the people who make this place special. We work directly with farmers, artisans, and small businesses, ensuring livelihoods grow as our destination thrives.

Decent Work

Fair partnerships provide reliable income for local families.

Sustainable Communities

Local sourcing keeps traditions alive and economies resilient.

Responsible Consumption

Buying close to home lowers imports, packaging, and waste.

Partnerships

Shared journeys where guests, villagers, and our team build together.

Eco-Friendly Construction

Not a single tree was cut to build our site. We used upcycled materials, chose durable steel over heavy timber, and celebrated local design. The result: a space that blends into the land, rather than taking from it.

Sustainable Communities

Built without cutting trees, preserving balance with nature.

Responsible Production

Upcycled and recyclable materials give old resources new life.

Life on Land

Protecting trees safeguards habitats for birds, insects, and animals.

Community Engagement

For us, tourism is a partnership. Local families guide, host, and share traditions. Women and youth are given space to lead. Guests meet villagers as equals, creating relationships built on respect and dignity.

Decent Work

Local hiring and fair pay build stronger livelihoods.

Reduced Inequalities

Women and youth are empowered through tourism.

Sustainable Communities

Shared traditions strengthen village life.

Partnerships

Guests and locals meet as partners, not strangers.

Experiences That Create Impact

Cooking with Tradition

Guests cook with us the way our ancestors did — using seasonal produce from nearby farms and clay or cane utensils. This experience supports livelihoods and keeps culture alive.

SDG 8 – Provides fair income for farmers and cooks

SDG 11 – Keeps culinary heritage alive

SDG 12 – Promotes seasonal, locally sourced meals

Curd Making

An age-old craft, still practiced in clay pots. Guests learn how buffalo milk becomes curd, supporting dairy farmers while reviving a tradition that avoids modern plastic packaging.

SDG 8 – Steady income for rural dairy farmers

SDG 11 – Preserves a heritage practice

SDG 12 – Clay pots replace plastic containers

Boat Ride on the Lake

A peaceful journey across Udawalawe's waters, designed to be plastic-free. Guests connect with nature without leaving waste behind.

SDG 6 – Protecting rivers and lakes from plastic waste

SDG 12 – Excursions run without disposables

SDG 15 – Safeguarding biodiversity for elephants, birds, and villagers

Toddy Tapping

Guests discover the heritage of palm traditions. This sustainable practice supports families while celebrating non-industrial use of land and resources.

SDG 8 – Income for families who rely on toddy tapping

SDG 11 – Keeps cultural knowledge alive

SDG 15 – Encourages sustainable use of palm resources

Coconut Culture Experience

From tree to table, nothing is wasted

The coconut is more than food in Sri Lanka — it is a way of life. In this experience, guests discover how every part of the tree is used to create meals, crafts, and livelihoods. Nothing is wasted; every part has a purpose.

SDG 8 – Steady livelihoods for climbers, rope-makers, cooks, and artisans

SDG 11 – Safeguards traditional knowledge and strengthens cultural identity

SDG 12 – A living example of a zero-waste cycle

SDG 15 – Promotes sustainable, small-scale use of natural resources

Why It Matters

Sustainability here is not abstract — it is lived. Every refill, every shared meal, every journey without plastic becomes part of Sri Lanka's living story. By aligning with the SDGs, our local actions connect to a global vision.

Together with our guests, our community, and our land, we are writing a future that is greener, fairer, and rooted in what makes Udawalawe unique.

Authentic Roots, Living Stories.

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