Sri Lanka and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement for a five-year biodiversity conservation initiative valued at US$4.507 million.
The programme is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and focuses on coastal and terrestrial ecosystems in Sri Lanka's Eastern and Southern regions.
Three districts
The initiative will operate in:
- Ampara
- Batticaloa
- Hambantota
Its stated aims include protecting important biodiversity and ecosystem services while strengthening climate resilience and expanding nature-based economic opportunities for local communities.
Main areas of work
The project is expected to focus on:
- strengthening governance and institutional capacity for landscape and seascape management;
- improving financing for nature-based solutions;
- demonstrating ecosystem-based management in coastal areas;
- increasing awareness and knowledge;
- integrating gender considerations; and
- strengthening monitoring and evaluation.
UNDP says the programme will use a community-focused, multi-sectoral approach to help protect Sri Lanka's terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems while supporting climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
Agreement signed
The agreement was signed by K. R. Uduwawala, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, and Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka.
Ministry of Environment Biodiversity Director Mohan Heenatigala and other UNDP representatives were also present.
Funding is confirmed; outcomes remain objectives
The agreement and funding arrangement are established developments.
However, future improvements in biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, livelihoods or economic opportunities remain project objectives and should not be described as achieved outcomes before implementation and evaluation.