Harnessing the Power of Water Hyacinth: A Sri Lankan Story is a short film exploring how one of the world’s most destructive aquatic invasive species is being transformed from an ecological threat into a resource, supporting habitat restoration, local livelihoods and establishing circular economies in Sri Lanka.

Set within one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, this film explores the ecological. historical and political complexities of invasive alien species management in Sri Lanka.

Through an innovative partnership between the Lanka Environment Fund, Conservation Collective and Scott Dunn, this project reflects a growing movement towards restoration initiatives that connect ecosystem recovery with long-term social and economic sustainability. The project brings together conservationists, local communities, designers, policymakers and artisans to explore new innovative approaches to ecological restoration and circular economic development in Sri Lanka.

In placing Sri Lanka’s waterways within a wider global conversation about restoration, coexistence and environmental change, the film moves beyond narratives of eradication aline, illustrating how ecological recovery increasingly depends upon collaboration, adaptation and long-term stewardship in an ever changing world.

Produced by: Lanka Environment Fund
Supported by: Scott Dunn
Videography: Tashiya de Mel, Sohan Wijesinghe, Thivanka Thomas, Yanik Tissera, Vinod Malwatte and Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO)
Script: Tashiya de Mel, Vinod Malwatte and Daisy Honeybunn
Narration: Tashiya de Mel
Editing: Ruvin de Silva
Special Thanks: Charlie Darlington, Randhula de Silva, Yohan Weerasuriya, Hafsa Jamel, Project Hyacinthesis Team, Conservation Collective and Foundation for a Good Life

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