Planting Hope: Browns Roots Project Achieves ISO Recognition for Climate Action

The Ceylon Roots and Browns Tours Team

Once a land where lush green forests covered more than half of Sri Lanka, today, only less than a third remains. Each year, a debilitating 7,000 hectares silently disappears, taking with it not just trees and wildlife but the hope of our nation’s future generations. In response to this, Browns Tours and Ceylon Roots, the global and inbound destination management companies of Browns Investments, the investment arm of the LOLC and Browns Group had initiated the ‘Browns Roots Project’, to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and restoring Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

What began as a heartfelt commitment to plant one sapling for every traveller booking made through Ceylon Roots has today grown exponentially into a restorative initiative of global recognition. The Browns Roots Project is aligned with Browns Plantations’ long-term plan for obtaining carbon neutral credits, with certifications issued by the Sri Lanka Climate Fund. The initiative seamlessly integrates tourism with reforestation, uniting together Sri Lanka’s expansive forests, the journeys of travellers, and a spark of hope for tomorrow. 

One of the project’s flagship efforts, the Pilot Afforestation for Climate Resilience in Ella (1 Acre), has been recognised by Eco Check Global Pvt Ltd., under the globally renowned ISO 14064-2:2019 standard. The certification authenticates project-level greenhouse gas quantification and reporting, reaffirming Browns Roots’ role and commitment as a credible source for climate action, not just locally, but internationally as well. 

Over a 20-year credit period, 1,494.4 tonnes of CO₂e are projected to be sequestered. Today, approximately 259 trees representing nine native species have been planted, infusing fresh life into local biodiversity and enhancing ecosystems in Ella. The impact of the Browns Roots Project goes beyond the soil. The initiative’s roots extend towards soil erosion reduction, restoring wildlife habitats, creating employment opportunities for local communities and more. A stringent monitoring and verification plan underline the project, ensuring its progress always remains transparent, accountable and long-lasting. The accreditation further reaffirms the Project as an illustration of how carbon finance mechanisms can support long-term sustainability. 

The Browns Roots Project continues to extend its reach to the Newburgh Estate, Ella, where a dedicated plot of land nurtures a diverse mix of medicinal and native plants, integrating reforestation with sustainable agriculture. Here, remote communities gain new livelihood opportunities while travellers discover that their journeys are imbued with a deeper meaning and encapsulate an overarching national vision. 

The recognition given to the Browns Roots Project not only validates its measurable climate contributions but also sets a benchmark for how tourism-led initiatives can address environmental change, in an impactful and meaningful manner. 

Speaking on the certification, Dishan Perera, CEO Ceylon Roots/Chief Business Development Officer – Leisure said, “As an industry, we can no longer view tourism purely as movement and leisure. Climate change is reshaping our world, and with it comes an urgent responsibility for all of us in tourism to act differently. At Ceylon Roots/Browns Tours, we believe travel must give back—to our forests, to our communities, and to the ecosystems that sustain us. The Browns Roots Project reminds us that reforestation is not just about planting trees, but about protecting biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and restoring balance against deforestation in Sri Lanka and beyond. Every journey should be more than a holiday; it should be a step towards safeguarding our planet for the generations to come.”

“Our partnership with Ceylon Roots reflects a shared belief that sustainability and development must go hand in hand. By combining Eco Check’s expertise in verification with Ceylon Roots’ commitment to responsible tourism, we are demonstrating how Sri Lanka can achieve measurable climate action while empowering local communities. These milestones are only the beginning. We look forward to scaling our efforts in reforestation, renewable energy, and biodiversity protection, setting a benchmark for climate-conscious tourism in the region” said Himarsha Rajapakha, Head of Operations & Projects, Eco Check Global/Researcher & Sustainability Consultant. 

At the very essence of the project resonates its vision, captured in a Cree Indian Proverb: “Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned will we realise that we cannot eat money.” By mindfully bridging local travel and conservation, the Browns Roots Project offers an alternative worldview, how tourism can be more than sightseeing and a driving force for environmental stewardship. As Browns Tours and Ceylon Roots look towards the future, every travel booking becomes more than a trip for exploration and culture, it plants a seed of hope and rejuvenation and is symbolic of a step towards a greener tomorrow for our nation. 

For more information, please visit www.ceylonroots.com or contact Ceylon Roots at +94 117701425.

Established in 1875, Browns has flourished over the years to grow into a household name with a reputation as strong as its years are long. Today, the prestigious Browns Group is one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, which manages a fast growing and valuable portfolio of brands across several key industry sectors, such as automotive, power generation, agriculture and plantation, pharmaceuticals, investments, marine and manufacturing as well as leisure.