By: Wyles Daniel
In the heart of Sri Lanka, where misty hills roll into rice paddies and elephants share space with village footpaths, one man’s perseverance has evolved into a global model for conservation.
That man is Ravi Corea, a former New York City environmental science student who traded skyscrapers for jungle treks and founded the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS). Today, his name is synonymous with coexistence—a philosophy that wildlife and humans don’t just share space, but futures.
The Spark That Lit a Movement
Corea’s journey began in the marshlands of his childhood, long before the term “biodiversity” was a global buzzword. At 14, he watched helplessly as a wetland he loved was bulldozed for development. “It was like losing a friend,” he recalls. “That moment made me promise myself I would do something to protect these places.”
Years later, after graduating from Columbia University, Corea returned to Sri Lanka and turned that childhood vow into action. In 1995, he launched SLWCS—not just as a conservation group, but as a movement grounded in science, empathy, and community empowerment.
Where Conservation Meets Community
Unlike traditional conservation models that often overlook the needs of local people, SLWCS was designed with a simple but powerful idea: you cannot protect wildlife without protecting the livelihoods of those who live among them.
“In Sri Lanka, elephants aren’t found in zoos or remote wilderness—they walk through farms, schools, and villages,” says Corea. “If we ignore the people, we lose the elephants too.”
This ethos shaped SLWCS’s signature programs, including Project Orange Elephant, which helps farmers plant citrus trees that naturally repel elephants, and the EleFriendly Bus, which transports children safely through known elephant corridors.
“These are not just programs—they’re peace treaties between species,” Corea explains.
A Lab of Living Solutions
SLWCS’s headquarters in Wasgamuwa is less like an office and more like a living laboratory. Here, researchers and volunteers from around the world collaborate with local villagers to track elephant movements, test sustainable farming techniques, and collect data that informs national policy.
This blend of grassroots knowledge and academic rigor has drawn attention from international institutions and media giants like National Geographic and Discovery Channel. But Corea remains grounded.
“Conservation is as much about listening as it is about leading,” he says. “We’ve learned just as much from farmers and children as we have from universities.”
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Despite its acclaim, SLWCS’s work is anything but easy. Political red tape, unpredictable funding cycles, and increasing climate pressure make progress a daily negotiation. But for Corea, these hurdles only reinforce the urgency of the mission.
“Conservation work doesn’t always look heroic. Sometimes it’s just about showing up—day after day—with consistency and compassion,” he says.
Photo Courtesy: Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society
Volunteers: The Global Heartbeat
A key ingredient in SLWCS’s impact is its international volunteer program. Each year, students, scientists, and travelers arrive from across the globe to contribute—not only with their labor, but with their perspectives.
“When a local child sees someone from the U.S. or Europe tracking elephant paths or planting orange trees, they begin to see wildlife as valuable—not dangerous,” Corea notes.
It’s a subtle shift, but one with profound long-term implications for conservation culture in the region.
Building for the Future
As he looks to the future, Corea’s focus is on sustainability—not just for ecosystems, but for the organization itself. He’s training the next generation of Sri Lankan conservationists to take the reins, ensuring SLWCS can thrive without his constant presence.
“I want this to be something that outlives me,” he says. “A movement that belongs to the people.”
A Legacy in Progress
From a heartbroken teenager watching bulldozers destroy a marsh to a globally recognized conservation leader, Ravi Corea’s life has come full circle.
He didn’t just keep his promise—he built an organization that proves conservation doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be a partnership. One where elephants roam freely, children walk safely, and entire communities become guardians of the wild.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and reflects the author’s perspective on the conservation efforts of Ravi Corea and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS). The views expressed are based on general observations of the organization’s work and its impact on conservation. The article does not constitute professional advice on conservation, environmental science, or legal matters. Readers are encouraged to seek specialized advice for specific conservation issues or initiatives.
