Brighter future tomorrow - A dawn of a new era

With human vulnerability to environmental change reaching unprecedented levels, environmental friendly development has now been recognized as the key to the long term sustainability of any economic activity. People's livelihood, as well as their health and well-being, are inextricably linked to the biological and physical properties and the proper functioning of the natural ecosystems. We in Sri Lanka, have to be especially concerned since our country has been identified as a "biodiversity hotspot" where its many endemic species are subjected to serious threat.

Today, we are running at an ecological deficit, and the current global rate of extraction of natural resources is 25% more than the replenishment rate.

The global average ecological footprint is 2.2 global hectares per person as against the bio-capacity of 1.8. The ecological footprint measures humanity's demand on nature. "High income countries" account for an ecological footprint of 6.4 global ha/person as against the bio-capacity of 3.3, whereas the "Middle Income Countries" and 'Low Income Countries" account for ecological footprints of 1.9 and 0.9 as against bio-capacities of 2.1 and 0.7 respectively. Sri Lanka has an ecological footprint of one global ha/person whereas our bio-capacity is 0.4.

Bail-out plans

At present most of the countries are confronted with a multiple crisis situation relating to energy, food, fresh water and finance. It is clear that bail-out plans with injecting of funds to financial institutions that are becoming unstable would not solve the present problem in the long run as these institutions have been formed, based on the expectation of unlimited growth leading to unsustainable production and consumption practices.

Environmental impacts such as climate change created due to unsustainable production and consumption have posed unprecedented challenges to all of us without limiting to industrialized countries; the developing countries being more vulnerable.

Today, in Sri Lanka, we are in a position to address the key issues that have constrained us in our efforts to enable all the citizens of the country, under one umbrella, to enjoy freedom and social security which was a daunting challenge to all the governments in the past 30 years. We would soon see the dawn of a new era, where all of us; North, South, East and West alike could live in peace and work towards a sustainable future for us and for generations to come. The recent provincial elections showed clearly the confidence that the general public has placed on the efforts of the present government in this process.

It has become necessary to direct even the future short term plans along a path of sustainable economic and social development. In this context the Government has introduced a new program named 'Haritha Lanka' and established a National Council for Sustainable Development under the leadership of the President to ensure integration of environmental concerns into the economic and social development processes throughout the country.

The Haritha Lanka Program of Action was initiated with a view to addressing the critical issues that, if left unattended, would frustrate our economic and social development programs. The 10 missions included in the program focus on: 'Clean air and Clean and adequate supplies of water must be available to all'; 'The country's priceless natural heritage of fauna and flora must not be allowed to get degraded'; 'The cities have to be clean and provide a healthy environment for all the city dwellers'; 'The industries must learn and put into practice measures for preventing environmental pollution'; 'The island's limited land resources should be used optimally'; And, 'The Coastal belt, one of the most picturesque parts of the country, requires special attention to ensure that its integrity remains unblemished and that it would continue to serve as a major contributor to the country's economy.' Actions to address these key areas are embodied in the strategies and proposed actions set out under the 10 missions of the Haritha Lanka Program.

Climate scientists, such as Rajendra Pachauri, Head of UN-organized group of thousands of climate experts, say that the world is headed for dramatic changes unless nations slash emissions of carbon dioxide from cars, power plants and factories and other greenhouse gases soon. The key question for the industrialized countries is how to do so without crippling their economies.

Modern concepts

Sri Lanka has a proud history of natural resources management and sustainable use. Before the advent of colonial rule, the island's natural resources were recognized, carefully nurtured and used without destroying the resource base. It is important to note and highlight that, the principles behind these practices are remarkably similar to the modern concepts of conservation and sustainable use promoted under the modern environmentalism.

These practices were in fact ingrained as ethics in the very fabric of ancient Sri Lankan society, supported by state policy and traditional knowledge. Successful implementation of the Haritha Lanka Program and continuation of its activities throughout the country would help reverse the trends of present unsustainable production and consumption of our country and would eventually create a brighter future for all of us securing long term sustainability, peace and security.