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Redefine Conservation with Lesser-Known Foods!
Redefine Conservation with Lesser-Known Foods
Sri Lanka is home to a rich variety of traditional crops that have been forgotten over time. The Lesser-known Foods campaign (අපි නොදන්න අපේ කෑම/ எமக்கே தெரியாத எம் உணவு) is bringing these nutritious, underutilized foods back to our tables.
Nourishing Communities, Protecting Nature
Nourishing Communities, Protecting Nature
This campaign is about more than just food. By reviving lesser-known crops, we protect Sri Lanka's plant biodiversity, ensure food security, and empower communities to embrace sustainable farming and healthier eating.
Why Biodiversity Matters for Our Plates
Why Biodiversity Matters for Our Plates
Biodiversity isn't just about wildlife—it's also about the food we eat. Cultivating a variety of traditional crops makes our food systems more resilient to climate change, safeguards nutrition, and keeps our ecosystems thriving.
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About the Campaign
About the Campaign
UNDP, with the Ministry of Environment, Department of Agriculture, and WFP, is conserving plant biodiversity by promoting underutilized crops through the GEF-funded Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support (GBF-EAS) project.
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How to Participate
01
Choose Your Ingredients
Explore the list of underutilized crops and select one or more to spotlight in your recipe.
02
Get Creative in the Kitchen
Transform your chosen ingredient into an innovative or traditional dish that celebrates Sri Lankan flavors.
03
Showcase Your Culinary Journey
Capture your cooking process with an image or video and describe the recipe, ingredients, and their benefits.
04
Submit Your Masterpiece
Upload your entry via the landing page and share your culinary creation with the world.
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Video/Image Content Guidelines
Video/Image Content Guidelines
Judging Criteria
Creativity and Innovation (20%)
  • Use of underutilized ingredients in unique or innovative ways.
  • Creative presentation of the final dish.
Nutritional Value (20%)
  • Highlighting the health benefits of the chosen underutilized ingredients.
  • Explanation of how the dish contributes to a balanced and healthy diet.
Dish Preparation and Process (50%)
  • Presentation of the cooking process (video or image).
  • Quality and aesthetic appeal of the final dish.
Visual Appeal and Presentation (10%)
  • Quality and aesthetic appeal of the final dish.
  • Professionalism in the photo/video submitted.
Deadline : February 28th 2025 *
Deadline : February 28th 2025 *
Deadline : February 28th 2025 *
Deadline : February 28th 2025 *
The Power of Forgotten Ingredients