Introduction

Sri Lanka, an island nestled in the Indian Ocean, boasts remarkable biodiversity, earning its status as one of the 36 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots, alongside India's Western Ghats. Despite this natural wealth, the past decade has witnessed a surge in threats to this diversity, primarily due to human activities such as deforestation, encroachment, excessive pesticide use, and the pervasive impacts of climate change. Additionally, a significant challenge lies in the lack of awareness regarding the diverse species inhabiting the island and the importance of their conservation. To address these pressing issues, a workshop was organized at Aliya Resort & Spa Sigiriya in Kandy. The primary aim was to enhance the awareness and skills of the youth, nurturing them into proficient naturalists for the tourism industry. Equipping them with knowledge, this initiative empowers them to share invaluable insights with both foreign and local guests, as well as members of local communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka's biodiversity, these efforts contribute significantly to its preservation.