SLBBP marks Biodiversity Day
The Sri Lanka Business and Biodiversity Platform (SLBBP) of the
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce with patrons of the Platform, Hatton National
Bank and Dilmah Conservation, hosted an event to mark the United Nations
International Day for Biological Diversity which fell on May 22 under
the theme for this year - Island Biodiversity.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Madhava Meegaskumbura of the
Science Faculty of the Peradeniya University.
Dr. Megaskumbura used the 'frog story' to highlight the predicament
Sri Lanka is in, continuously losing her valued species richness. The
phenomenal richness has arisen primarily from evolutionary radiations
resulting in endemic genera and species, supplemented by land bridging
repeatedly with the Indian mainland.
Due to this Sri Lanka has been declared a biological hotspot with the
Western Ghats of India.
Sri Lanka has lost 20% of its amphibian fauna.
Of the remaining species, more than 50% are at risk of extinction.
Most amphibian extinctions in Sri Lanka occurred about 150 years ago
when forests were cleared to make way for coffee, and later, tea
plantations. Only 800 square kilometres or five percent of the island's
original rainforest cover remains. Development in recent years has
encroached into vital amphibian habitats, destroying the ecological
balance. Many montane species in Sri Lanka have been categorised as
Critically Endangered (CR).
The influence of business on our environment and animals inhabiting
it is steadily increasing. Engaging with businesses, therefore, becomes
all the more important to address the conservation challenges of our
time. "Amphibians are facing an extinction crisis. Raising awareness and
building new partnerships and relationships where business and
conservation interests are met, is fundamental," a SLBBP spokesman said.
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