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| Sunday, 14 March 2004 |
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Plans to get the best from the ocean by Shanika Sriyananda A blue print for ocean development is to be formulated soon to spell out the policies and strategies for more effective integration of the ocean sector.This will be prepared by 'Our Nation and the Sea', a joint venture of National Aquatic Resources, Research and Development Agency (NARA) and the Indian Ocean Marine Affairs Co-operation (IOMAC). Sri Lanka's ocean heritage is recognised by the Third United Nations Law of the Sea Convention of 1982. However, according to Dr. Hiran Jayawardena, Secretary General IOMAC, Sri Lanka has to make a claim on its outer maritime boundary before 2008, if it is to obtain maximum benefits from the provisions of this Convention. Dr. Jayawardena said it is important for Sri Lanka to be aware of the marine resource potential of the vast offshore area under its jurisdiction. "Therefore, there is a need to have properly trained professionals to prepare an ocean development strategy for the country", he pointed out. NARA, with IOMAC assistance, launched a programme with the objectives of creating awareness among professionals about the law of the sea, to harness resources and to undertake capacity building. According to Dr. Jayawardena, the final part of the programme is to formulate policies and strategies for the implementation of a blue print for the country's ocean resources. "We will submit this report to the government when it is finalised", he said. Workshops will be conducted for officers from State and private sector agencies in the marine field, lawyers and academics over the next six months, to create awareness about the law of the sea and the resources available. |
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