Lanka committed towards sustainable econ development

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Lanka committed towards sustainable econ development
Kohona

Sri Lanka, as a developing country, has made every effort to work within the agreed parameters, despite multiple challenges. Our policy follows the vision that, "Sustainable development is achieving sustained economic growth that is socially, equitable and ecologically sound, with peace and stability", stated Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, Dr. Palitha Kohona.

He was addressing the Second Committee of the 65th Session of the General Assembly yesterday (Nov.2) on Sustainable Development.

'In this context, the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) has been established under the Haritha Lanka (Green Lanka) Programme in collaboration with all line Ministries. In order to ensure environmental sustainability in our development efforts, government Ministries have been re-oriented with the major emphasis being placed on addressing energy, climate change and other environmental aspects', he said.

In Sri Lanka, our garment and apparel sector has embraced cleaner production methods to such an extent that they can now market their products under the slogan "Garments without guilt", he said.

He added, 'in my country, the endeavour to enhance environmental conservation is reflected in the imposition of a complete moratorium on timber felling, placing 13 wet-zone forests under total protection and the Greener Sri Lanka sustainable development programme. Past experience has proved that policies alone cannot yield results, if there is no ownership at community level. Hence, we have been mindful to ensure the widest possible participatory mechanism when designing the National Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan (NBCAP) in the country'.

Speaking with regard to Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity, he said Sri Lankan rainforests are home to nearly all of the country's endemic plants and about 75% of the endemic animals.

'The rich array of fauna and flora places Sri Lanka among the world's top 18 biodiversity hotspots. UNESCO has designated four natural forests in Sri Lanka as UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Sinharaja, Knuckles, the Peak Wildernes and Horton Plains. The Slender Loris, long thought to be extinct, was recently rediscovered after 60 years in the Central Highlands. We have set a target of increasing the country's forest cover to 33% of the land area by year 2016. We will support REDD-Plus activities, which are country driven and voluntary. These activities must receive adequate predictable and sustainable financing and technological support. Indigenous people and local communities are also involved in the implementation of REDD plus process'.

Courtesy: PRIU