The Nature Conservation Group (Natcog) was formed in 1992 by a small team of Environmentalist primarily in response to the threat faced by the Rumassala Buona-vista reef from the proposed Galle harbor development project.  It was to fulfill a major vacuum among the Environmental NGO community in Sri Lanka as no other group was involved in or had the capacity to carry out underwater / marine research and to mobilize conservation work on marine life and eco-systems effectively at the time.

In response to the effects of the proposed Galle harbor development Natcog’s first activity was to carry out a detailed two year (1993-4) reef status / bio-diversity survey of the Rumassala Buona-vista reef.  The findings of which; was published as a report in 1995 (Karunarathne & Weerakkody 1995). The surveys of the site was continued post to the publication of the report with a revised report released in 1996 The data collected was extensively used to lobby for a relocation of the harbor to a site that will prevent destruction of the reef.  The campaign was also instrumental in bringing this isolated unknown reef to among the best-known coral reefs in Sri Lanka.

Nature Conservation Group has continued to play a major role in addressing the Galle harbor issue through research, public awareness, lobbying and through the EIA processes up till the present.

In 1996 a storm surge damaged large sections of Rumassala reef followed by the emergence of a reef invasive species of colonial Ascidians to the reef that proved a major threat to reef corals. This was to be the predecessor to a series of other reef infestations by marine organisms. This event also launched Natcog into its two main reef conservation programs at present; Coral reef restoration and the Reef Invasive species management.

The Nature Conservation group initiated an experimental reef restoration and Invasive species management program in association with Neo-synthesis Research Center in 1997 with a small grant from Counterpart International.

The major coral bleaching event in the year 1998 saw a reduction of live coral cover in Rumassala from over 70% to aprox. 20%.   The already established Reef restoration program with two years of experience in re-establishing coral and restoration methodology put Natcog in a position of advantage to address the calamity at hand. The activities assisted in ensuring that the coral diversity of the reef was preserved and speeding up the rate of re-colonization of degraded reef areas. The group is currently having the most established and functional coral reef restoration program in Sri Lanka.

In addition to the Coral reef restoration activities the group has been involved in a series of surveys to monitor off shore marine life of Sri Lanka including Marine Mammals, Marine Reptiles, Oceanic Sea birds etc. These surveys have contributed to expanding the understanding of Off-shore marine biodiversity of Sri Lanka in a significant way.

The group has been a major force in campaigning for adoption of sensible and sustainable practices in the Extraction of Ornamental marine organisms for the Aquarium industry. The Ornamental Aquarium Export Trade is currently unmanaged and is operating using destructive practices and extracting reef organisms at often unsustainable quantities. This has become a major cause in degradation of reef Bio-diversity and has contributed to upset the ecological balance of the reef eco-systems. The team has been involved in monitoring the trade, campaigning for sustainable Industry practices and in providing training for the staff of Sri Lanka Custom’s department to identify Protected and regulated marine organisms.

The Group was among the foremost in campaigning for greater protection of Small Marine Mammals and campaigned against revision of legislation to allow taking small marine mammals (Dolphins and small Whales) as by catch in the Tuna and Shark fisheries.

The group is also involved in monitoring pollution of coastal marine environments including ship groundings, Coastal oil pollution and indirect effects of pollution, Under the Reef Keeper program regular reef cleaning activities are carried out on selected coral reefs to remove solid pollution entangling on and smothering live corals including Polypropylene Gunny bags polythene, Fishing nets and line etc.

In addition to the marine issues the Natcog has also been involved in many terrestrial environmental survey and campaigns including conservation of wild Orchids, Small Forest ecosystems, Power and Energy, Sea sand extraction for coastal landfills etc.

The group is also involved in coastal habitat and homestead restoration post to the Tsunami of 2004, A plant nursery is maintained at Kaduruduwa Galle to propagate and supply plants for activities.

The organization has worked under many NGO umbrella organizations for different campaigns and has carried out joint activities with, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network- South Asia office (GCRMN), UNDP/GEF /Small grants Program, The Neo-synthesis Research Centre (NSRC), March for Conservation/ University of Colombo, Young Zoologists Association (YZA),  Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL), Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists forum (SLEJF) Sri Lanka Customs department, IUCN Sri Lanka and Rain forest Rescue International (RRI)