Protecting Sri Lanka's Ecosystems
We often hear tales of woe of people, whose lives and livelihoods are
threatened as a result of depleting ecosystems. Scientists often stress
that policy agendas should include funds and systems to protect
ecosystems and take measures to preserve natural habitats and resources,
because it is the people who suffer the most from natural resource loss
and degradation.
"Protecting ecosystems reduces the risk to people and infrastructure,
as well as the degree of climate change," according to The Conservation
journal.
Protect
The World Bank has extended its support to countries around the world
which needs implementing programs to protect ecosystems and communities.
 In
this context the World Bank Board has approved a $45 million credit to
help protect Sri Lanka's natural habitats and resources from degradation
and exploitation. The bank's initiative also aimed at improving the
lives and livelihoods of neighbouring communities, who suffer the most
from these negative impacts.
The Eco-systems Conservation and Management Project (ESCAMP) in Sri
Lanka will benefit 15,000 residents; 30 percent among them women, with
most belonging to marginalized groups, the World Bank said.
It will protect and foster the sustainable use of natural resources
help create jobs and livelihoods. Through the Department of Wildlife
Conservations and Forest Department, the project will manage protected
natural areas through improved landscape management, raise awareness and
improve coordination on natural resource management among local
authorities, and increase the quality of nature-based tourism.
"Natural ecosystems in Sri Lanka provide clean water, food, medicine,
carbon storage, recreation and habitats for local communities, wildlife
and fisheries, and prevent floods and erosion," said Francoise Clottes,
World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, "If well
managed, these areas will benefit the national economy, spur Sri Lanka's
nature-based tourism potential, and help address local challenges
brought on by poverty, decreased productivity and degradation of land
and water, human-wildlife conflicts, and climate change."
Stewardship
A recent World Bank Group assessment, the Systematic Country
Diagnostic (SCD) underlined the importance of environment management and
stewardship to preserve Sri Lanka's natural resources and develop
tourism.
"The project will improve the management and stewardship of protected
areas and other biologically important locations throughout Sri Lanka,"
said Darshani De Silva, Environment Specialist and Project Task Team,
"It will help establish networks to protect ecosystems, maintain the
population of endemic species, while promoting environmentally sound
infrastructure development and visitor services to raise the quality and
revenue potential of green tourism."
The program also aligns with the government's policies to expand
forest cover in line with Sri Lanka's conservation strategy Punarudaya.
It will develop human-elephant co-existence mechanism and protect
watersheds to boost agricultural productivity. Over time, the project
will reinforce the emerging strategy on Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) as well as policies to
promote sustainable water, agriculture and energy practices, while
supporting social inclusion and resilience to climate and disaster
risks.
Lending
The credit for this project is provided by the International
Development Association (IDA) - the World Bank's concessionary lending
arm - with a maturity of 25 years, including a 5 year grace period. The
Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment will lead
implementation in close partnership with Ministry of Sustainable
Development and Wildlife.
(CJ)
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