TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

The Evolution of Environmental Strategies and Policies in Sri Lanka 1978-1986

By

K. H. J. Wijayadasa

Central Environmental Authority Ministry of Local Government Housing and Construction

Printed at The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., Lake House, Colombo 10. TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE GROWTH THE EVOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES AND POLICIES IN SRI LANKA

1978 — 1986

By

K. H. J. Wijayadasa

A publication of the Central Environmental Authority Ministry of Local Government Housing and Construction CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. The Legal and Institutional Framework

3. The Birth of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP)

4. The Emergence of National and Regional Institutions on Environment

5. Economics, Environment and Development

6. Land Tenure and Ownership in Sri Lanka

7. Development Planning for Sustainable Growth

8. Environmental Impact Assessment of Development Projects

9. The National Conservation Strategy

10. 100 Million Trees Programme

11. Strategies for the Protection and Management of the Environment

12. Pesticides and the Environment

13. Rural Leadership for Nature Conservation

14.- Environmental Education

.1.5. Aquatic Ecosystems of Sri Lanka 1 INTRODUCTION

This publication contains a collection of speeches made or papers read by me on different aspects of environmental concern, protection and management in •Sri Lanka during the period 1978-1986. These speeches and papers are being pre­ sented in this book imchronologlcal order with two main objectives in mind. Firstly the period 1978—1986 will go down to history as a short span of time during which environmental concern came to be highlighted in a manner hitherto unprecedented in this country. Secondly these environmental concerns having their roots in poverty as well as in the process of accelerated develop­ ment crystalised into concrete action programmes of varied types and dimen­ sions during the period under review. Hence it is hoped that this publication would place on record the history of our march towards sustainable growth covering not only the legislative and institutional aspects but also the develop­ ment of appropriate policies, strategies and programmes.

Environmental problems are caused both in the pursuit of the process of ill- planned inappropriate and haphazard development as well as due to lack of development. Many complex problems have arisen from developmental applica­ tions of science and technology without full regard to environmental conse­ quences. When development projects are LUconceived, poorly designed and badly executed, they will be accompanied by resource depletion, environmentally induced diseases, chemical and biological pollution and widespread social disruption.

Lack of development on the other hand can result in squalid human settle­ ments, loss of productivity through disease and malnutrition and loss of arable land through the destruction of forests. Therefore the protection and manage­ ment of the environment is a necessary dimension of development. If we are to take effective action, the objectives and the strategies relating to the environment and to development must be combined and co-ordinated within the framework of long term planning. The establishment of the SACEP Headquar­ ters in Colombo in 1981 was an important landmark in regional co-operation, environmental management and institution building.

There was no period in history other than the last decade during which such great attention has been drawn to environmental aspects of development. During the period 1978-1986 the development efforts mounted by the Government have been unprecedented. Such development would have brought in its wake serious environmental disturbances, conflicts and disharmony which would have caused irreparable damage and destruction to the environment if they were not properly handled and sorted out. The challenge that we faced was one of creating a whole new approach to growth, to the process of growth and to the determination of the patterns of growth. These challenges have produced the desired results. It is now widely acknowledged that the essential pre­ requisites of balanced and sustainable growth are, careful husbanding of resources, eliminating wasteful uses, fostering of recycling and the substitution of non renewable resource use with renewable resource use.

The development of methodologies and procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment in Sri Lanka also took place in the early 1980's. The interest in EIA procedures originated from the realisation of the fact that development if it is to be sustainable, must proceed In a way that environment is safeguarded — that the integrity of ecological processes are maintained and stocks of resources are conserved. Impacts on the environment, quite often adverse and sometimes beneficial are created by the inter-actlon of population growth, technological advances, accelerated economic development and changes in the political and social systems. The decision taken by the Government in 1983 to make EIA mandatory for all development projects with effect from the 1st of January 1984 constituted a milestone in the incorporation of environmental concerns into the planning process.

In this context the creation of the appropriate legislative and institutional- framework was considered to be an essential pre-requisite to the solution of other environmental problems. The Seminar on Environmental protection and Management organized by the Ministry of Local Government Housing and Construction in association with the United Nations Environment Programme and the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in 1978 is ah important bench marking the evolution of Environmental policies arid Strategies in Sri Lanka. In the late 1970's it was found that there were more than 50 different laws in the statute book ranging from the Forest Ordinance to the Chank Fisheries Ordinance with a bearing on the environment. These laws had been inacted over a period of 100 years or more to meet different situations- They were scattered and adminis­ tered by different Departments, at different levels without overall co-ordinating and policy direction. Some of them were obsolete ineffective or redundant. These laws had not kept pace with the changing environmental needs of our times for instance there was no provision to enforce environmental quality standards and for the application of environmental impact assessment proce­ dures on development projects.

Also the absence of a centralised agency solely devoted to the formulation of policies and programmes and for the appropriate co-ordination of all matters of environmental programmes at the national district and village levels. Thus the national Environmental Act was enacted in 1980 as the basic law on the environment in Sri Lanka. In terms of this Act the Central Environmental Authority was established in 1981 as the lead agency for the purposes of policy formulation and co-ordination in all matters pertaining to the environment.

Another important development and that took place in the regional arena in early 1980 was the invitation of the establishment of the South Asia Co-opera­ tive Environment Programme. It was Intended to establish close co-operation and collaboration amongst South Asian countries, as well as the respective: national authorities on the various aspects of the environment. There was general consensus that it would help our countries to benefit from the expe­ riences, lessons, research and development work of each other in our attempt to reconcile accelerated development with optimum conservation. It was con­ sidered to be a logical extension of the national philosophies on the environment to a larger regional framework.

Another important landmark in the formulation of Environmental strategies and policies in Sri Lanka was the appointment of a Task Force for the formula­ tion of the National Conservation Strategy by His Excellency the President on

vi the recommendation of the Hon. The Prime Minister. When formulated it would constitute the National Action Plan for environmentally sound and sustainable growth and development.

The South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) at its First Governing Council Meeting held in 1983 declared the year 1988 as the Year of Trees for South Asia. The 100-Million Trees Programme is Sri Lanka's contri­ bution to this noble cause. We should not underestimate the fact that while providing food, timber, medicine, fuelwood, shade and organic matter; Trees have a prominent role to play in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of bur planet. Apart from overcoming the ill effects of deforestation the economic, social, physical, cultural and national advantages of maintaining an adequate tree cover are many. Our history is full of instances where our rulers dedicated themselves to the cause of Tree Planting by establishing Parks and Reserves, issuing proclamations for the planting of trees and severely dealing with those found guilty of forest offences.

In conclusion, I would like to place on record my deep appreciation for the guidance and encouragement given by the Hon. R. Premadasa, Prime Minister in forging ahead with appropriate Environmental Policies and Strategies. The unstinted co-operation extended to the Central Environmental Authority by the UNEP, UNDP, SACEP, ESCAP and other donor Agencies, all relevant Ministries, Departments, Corporations and Non-Governmental Organizations in the environmental field is gratefully acknowledged.

2nd November. 1986. K. H. J. WUAYADASA SECRETARY TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND CHAIRMAN CENTRAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY

vii 1 I

I

i THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

The laws are inadequate, scattered and

administered by different Departments at

different levels, without overall co-ordination and policy direction.

There appears to be a need for a Central

Authority for policy formulation, co-ordination

and the enforcement of environmental quality

standards.

An attempt should be made to educate and

inform the public and to actually involve them

in the implementation of Environments1

Programmes throughout the country. THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Permit me to begin by expressing my deep appreciation to the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute for hosting this important Seminar on the Protection and Management of the Environment. I would also like to express my thanks to all the Ministries, Departments, Corporations and Non-Government Organisations who nominated a highly representative and experienced group of participants for this Sminar.

I would like to tell you at the very outset how and why the Ministry of Local Government, Housing & Construction came to organise this Seminar. When the Hon. the Prime Minister, assumed duties as Minister, of Local Govern­ ment, Housing and Construction in 1977 he found that his predecessor in office had prepared a draft law on the protection of the Urban Environment. This draft provided for more effective, cleansing by local authorities, by prohibiting dumping of litter etc. in public places. The display of posters in unauthorised places, was to be prohibited and the use of roads and public places by street vendors restricted. Also there was special provision to eliminate public nuisances such as pollution of atmosphere by smoke, gas, fumes, etc., and discharge of industrial effluents into streets and canals. Upon examination of this draft the Hon. Minister found, that from a total environmental management point of view, this draft was inadequate as it did not cover important areas such as conservation of beaches and sea, conservation of soil, water, natural vegetation and animal life etc. Moreover, the applicability of the law was confined to the

Urban areas only. Therefore, the Hon; Minister instructed that the draft be revised in keeping with the requirements of total environmental protection and management both In rural and urban areas. This Seminar is considered a pre­ liminary, but one of the most important steps towards the realisation of this aim.

As you all know, environmental problems can be associated with both in­ appropriate and haphazard developments as well as lack of development. Many complex problems have arisen from developmental applications of science and technology without full regard to environmental consequences. When develop­ ment projects are ill conceived, poorly-designed, and badly executed, they may be accompanied by resource depletion environmentally - induced diseases, chemical and biological pollution, and widespread social disruption. Lack of development on the other hand can result in squalid human settlements, loss of productivity through disease and malnutrition, and loss of arable land through destruction of forests- Therefore, protection and management of the

Seminar on Environmental Protection and Management organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Construction in association ivlth the United Nations Environmental Programme 20-22 July, 1978. environment is a necessary dimension of development. If we are to take effec­ tive action, the objectives and strategies relating to the environment and. to development must be combined and co-ordinated in the framework of long- term planning.

Essentially, environmental management and protection is a two fold opera­ tion. First, we must seek to identify where environmental degradation and resource depletion are making it difficult to meet the basic human needs of food, shelter, health, clothing, education and employment. Second, we must work towards the modification of human activities so as to eliminate any undesirable side effects, and satisfy the basic human needs on a sustainable basis:

We cannot conceal or underestimate the seriousness and the complexity of problems such as the wastage and often irreparable destruction of natural resources, or the deterioration of the working and living environments. Their existence is a challenge to the civic spirit to the sense of responsibility and above all the will to act — especially by all of us who are scientists, planners, technicians, educators, and managers.

It is in this context, that you will be making your recommendations at the end of this Seminar. For this purpose let me try to explain the principal objec­ tives of the Seminar which will be to make recommendations to the Govern - ment on :—

1. desirable legal reforms;

ii. appropriate institutional framework and administrative supporting services; and

iii. • formulation of guidelines on environmental policy and dissemina­ tion of information, education and training;

for the effective protection and efficient management of the Environment.

(i) Desirable Legal Reforms

There are nearly 50 different laws in the Statute Book, ranging from the Forest Ordinance to the Chank Fisheries Ordinance with a bearing on the Environment. These laws have been enacted over a period of one hundred years or more to meet different situations. Hence at the present stage of legal, insti­ tutional, socio-economic and cultural evolution of our country some of them may be obsolete, ineffective or redundant. We have introduced amendments from time to time to laws which are inadequate to meet given situations. There is a fundamental problem that we have not attempted to solve namely that all these laws are scattered, administered by different departments, at different levels, without overall co-ordination and policy direction.

There are several laws which are confined to the Satute Book only. Only a few of them have specific provisions for the setting down of environmental standards. It has been found in certain instances that the punitive measures are inadequate. Likewise, law enforcement authorities, especially public officers, often suggest that they should be granted certain powers which will enable them to prevent crimes against the Environment rather than take offenders to Courts after the crime has been committed. Certain new laws are being drafted, while amendments are being prepared for others. In this context, the Committee on

3 Legal Reforms will be called upon to examine the scope and content, the inade­ quacies, the need for overall co-ordination in matters pertaining to the Environment and of course the efficacy of the different laws themselves.

It has been generally accepted that every country should have a basic law for environment pollution, control and nature conservation. Such a basic law should provide for the establishment of the required legal, institutional and administrative framework as well as for the establishment of surveillance and monitoring programmes, research and investigation, control of pollution, facilities for the prevention of pollution — example buffer zones — and the pre­ servation and conservation of the natural environment. It is hoped that the Legal Reforms Committee would look into all these aspects and make recom­ mendations to establish an appropriate legal framework worthy of implemen­ tation.

(ii) Institutional Framework and Administrative Supporting Services .

In a small country with a high density of population and with a clearly visible high delinquency rate — as far as its natural resources are concerned — it is of paramount importance that planning and execution of projects which have an impact on the Environment, whether it be in the fields of agriculture, Industry or human settlements, should be carefully scrutinised by an environ­ mentally conscious central agency. Such a centralised agency should be a supreme body, if possible at Ministerial level or above. This body will formulate state policies and programmes on the Environment and see that they are successfully implemented.

For the successful implementation of environmental policies and programmes there should not only be effective co-ordination at the Ministerial level but at Departmental, District and Village levels especially in view of the multi-discip­ linary and. inter-departmental character of the very subject of Environment. For example, at the village level local authorities should be called upon to play a distinct co-ordinating role in the protection and management of the Environ­ ment. They should be charged with the responsibility for the maintenance of a clean and beautiful Sri Lanka which can attract tourists. At the district level the proposed District Ministerial system will enable the Government to play a more meaningful role in the effective implementation of programmes on the Environment.

Administrative back up services, largely due to lack of resources, central policy direction and interest, are totally Inadequate to meet a given situation. They suffer from a whole range of Ills such as insufficient staff, lack of mobi­ lity, etc. It has been reported that there has been interference by interested parties in the day to day administration of affairs connected with forest, water and soil conservation. Therefore the task assigned to the Committee on Institu­ tional Framework and Administrative Supporting Services is not only that of recommending the establishment of appropriate institutions at the required level but also one of establishing the correct inter-departmental linkages and providing for the essential back-up services which are so fundamental to achieving our objective.

(ill) Policies, Programmes, Information, Education and Training The title given to the 3rd Committee — i.e. Role of Voluntary Agencies may appear to be a misnomer. However, the Intention was to involve the large number of voluntary agencies in particular in making recommendations on an area which is vital to any strategy on the Environment. There Is general agreement on the need for public participation in environmental decision 4 making. Public opinion could be channelled through environmental impact assessment procedures, thus encouraging public involvement and fostering public education. Hitherto several voluntary agencies have been active in the field of environment in Sri Lanka, creating the required awareness among the people for the conservation of our natural resources for posterity and for sus­ tained and accelerated development.

Enacting legislation and creating institutions and taking offenders to Courts are not the be all and end all of environmental protection and management. An attempt should be made to educate and inform the public and to actually involve them in the implementation of environmental programmes throughout the country. Involvement of school children through school curricula, use of mass media to inform and educate the public, training of public officers, village leaders, etc., are some of the strategies that can be adopted.

Voluntary agencies are in a better position to obtain appropriate and accurate feed back on the desecration of the environment that is going on around us. Being environmental enthusiasts they have the necessary where­ withal to advise the Government on new policy directions, worthwhile pro­ grammes and areas of urgent action. I would like to call upon the Committee on Voluntary Agencies to address its mind to desirable state policies, program­ mes, education, information and training in the field of the Environment, with particular reference to the role of Voluntary Agencies.

We are holding this Seminar at a time when historical changes are taking place, such as the introduction of a new Constitution, the reorientation and reorganisation of the institutional and administrative machinery and last but not the least a massive development effort to provide employment and better living conditions to the people. This is the most opportune moment to restructure and reorganise the existing framework on the environment for a better future. I sincerely hope that the three Committees will make every endeavour to work within the above-mentioned terms of reference and make recommendations which are not only the most economical but the most practicable.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasise the magnitude and urgency of the task before you. I am for my own part convinced, that we will be able to tackle the present and future problems of the environment. The issues at stake, in this Seminar about to begin, are considerable and I must take this opportu­ nity to extend to you, in all sincerity, my warmest wishes for the total success of your deliberations.

5

THE BIRTH OF THE SOUTH ASIA CO-OPERATIVE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (SACEP)

This programme will establish close co-opera­ tion and collaboration amongst South Asian Countries, as well as the respective National Authorities on the various aspects of the Environment.

It would help our countries to benefit from the experiences, lessons, and research and develop­ ment work of each other in our attempts to reconcile accelerated development with optimum conservation.

If we are agreed that all National Development activities should take place within the framework of a realistic policy on the environment then it is quite logical that we should extend the same concept to our region as well. THE BIRTH OF THE SOUTH ASIA CO-OPERATIVE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (SACEP)

I feel deeply honoured to have been nominated to represent Sri Lanka and also to lead the Sri Lanka delegation at this preparatory expert group meeting of representatives of South Asian countries for the establishment of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme.

Serious pre-occupation with environmental problems • is a relatively recent phenomenon in Sri Lanka. While there have always been certain expressions of concern of issues relating to the environment, it was only during the last few years, that new problems emerged and others that existed before, took on entirely new dimensions. These resulted from our efforts to accelerate develop­ ment as well as from technological and social changes.

At the same time, in Sri Lanka, there is an urgent need for development. Poverty itself brings in its wake, a form of environmental degradation. There­ fore, it is no longer possible to contrast the preservation of the environment with the necessity for development. Thus, it is in this context that our strategies for the preservation and betterment of the environment would coincide with development. Both should be related and inseparable expressions of the capacity of man to improve his life as well as to provide for the well being of future generations. In my country, Sri Lanka, in the past there has been little awareness, of the close relationship between development and environment. Unplanned develop­ ment, without due regard to the protection and management of the environment has led to a reduction in natural diversity and the degradation of the environ­ ment. The rapid increase of population and the changing patterns of living made it necessary for us to change the natural environment. But such changes have not been made with a full awareness of their consequences.

It was our earlier assumption, that the degradation of the environment is a phenomenon peculiar to industrialised countries. But there is in developing countries, a type and scale of environmental degradation which is both massive and positively dangerous to their development. In Sri Lanka, forests have been depleted by shifting cultivation and over felling. Grazing lands have been plucked down to» their roots and corals and mangroves deprived of their capacity to renew themselves. On the top of this, uncontrolled urbanisation has led to the growth of low density suburbs, while the core-city suffers from blight and slum conditions.

Over the years, our forest cover has been depleted to almost dangerous levels. The number of fauna and flora species threatened with extinction is around two hundred. Heavy erosion has reduced the fertility and productivity of our

Expert Group Meeting on the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme r— Bangalore 10th-15th March, 1980. 8 soil. Waterways are being polluted by the discharge of industrial effluents sewage and garbage. Moreover, urbanization has resulted in the growth of the built environment by way of buildings and roads. This has led to defoliation in the construction stage and erosion due to the inadequate application of protec­ tive as well as'soil conservation measures.

The major development schemes, undertaken in Sri Lanka at present — namely, the accelerated Mahaveli Project, the Free Trade Zone and the Colombo Urban Development Programme -- will undoubtedly generate their own environ­ mental disturbances. All the same, we cannot deprive, our people any longer of the benefits of development programmes, such as employment, higher incomes, better housing safe drinking water and other common amenities. Therefore, the task that confronts Sri Lanka today is one of reconciling deve­ lopment with environmental protection and management. While we can. no longer afford to misuse the limited resources at our command, yet it is essential that all development activities should take place within the framework of a realistic policy on the environment.

It is in this context, that the Government of Sri Lanka welcomes and endorses the steps taken by the Regional Office of the UNEP to establish the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme. At a time when the Sri Lanka Government is giving priority to environmental considerations in deve­ lopment: when attempts are being made to create an awareness and commit­ ment towards the fulfilment of environmental objectives and when the Government is developing institutions and expertise to sustain an environ­ mental regulatory framework, which is suited to our country, I have no doubt, that the proposed Co-operative programme,- would prove to be most beneficial to us.

As has been already mentioned by the Chairman and several distinguished speakers before me, this programme will establish close co-operation and .collaboration between the national authorities in the region in charge of the environment• This will therefore pave the way for programme action on issues that, affect the region as a whole, as well as at the national level in subject areas, that are common to the region. I am of the view that the proposed pro­ gramme, more than anything else,, .would help our countries to benefit from the experiences and lessons of each other, in our attempts to reconcile accelerated development, with optimum conservation. Then only we will be able to harmonize the' conflict between the raising of the living standards of our people with the ever'increasing need to protect and manage our environment for our benefit as well a.s for the benefit of generations yet to be born.

As the exhaustive background paper, prepared by the UNEP regional office indicates, we in Sri Lanka, have taken several positive steps in this direction. One of the major drawbacks that we faced was the absence of a comprehensive legal and institutional framework on environment. There are nearly 50 different laws in the statute book, enacted over a period of one hundred years or more, with a bearing on environmental situations. But all these laws are scattered and administered'by different-departments at different levels, without overall co-ordination and policy direction.. Also, in a small country like ours, with a high density of population and with a clearly visible delinquency rate — as far as natural resources are concerned — it is of paramount importance that planning and execution of projects which have an impact on the environment should be carefully scrutinized by ah environment conscious central agency.

Therefore, Sri Lanka Government has given priority to the establishment of this legal and institutional framework. A National Environmental Act, which includes the establishment of a Central Environmental Agency is in the process of being drafted, and I am happy to announce to the distinguished delegates, that it would be in our statute books within the next three months or so. It is my belief, that our programmes for information, education, training and research in the field of environment would be given the much needed prominence with the passage of the National Environment Act. It would become much easier for us to co-ordinate all strategies and policies — even the imple­ mentation of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme — with the establishment of the Central Environmental Authority.

I do not intend to go into detail of the other subject areas and the program­ mes undertaken by Sri Lanka, as they will be discussed exhaustively in the next - ten days. But I am proud, that we have made some progress in several areas. Our Rural Energy Centre in Patti yapola, Is already engaged in trying out several techniques of solar energy utilization under rural conditions. We have designed and developed a wind-mill suitable for Sri Lanka conditions and is being offered for public acceptance. We have also made some headway on the use of bio-gas and the use of mini hydro-electric plants. An area where Sri Lanka has made much advance is our re-afforestation programme, where depleted forest cover is being re-planted-

Our progress in subject areas such as social forestry, conservation of eco­ systems and watersheds, training in wild life management, and environmental education, also have been worthy of note. However, we have badly lagged behind in certain subject areas. We are totally lacking in Environment Impact Assess­ ment and Cost Benefit Analysis techniques and their application. Environmental Quality standards as well as enforcement measures are also almost non-exis­ tent and an overall look has never been taken. It is in these areas that we hope, to be benefitted to a great extent from . the South Asia Co-operative Programme. The establishment of a Central Environmental Authority will no doubt result in the systematization and definition of all these aspects which have to be handled with greater care and depth.

Before I conclude, let me reiterate on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, that Sri Lanka would undertake to extend all possible assistance and Co-opera­ tion to the proposed programme. While endorsing the guidelines proposed by the UNEP regional office for this programme the Sri Lanka Government also agrees to the proposal for the establishment of a standing committee of repre­ sentatives of the South Asian Countries, to oversee the environment programme that will emerge and to meet and seek solutions to common problems that affect the environment of these countries. On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, I wish the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme all success.

10 THE EMERGENCE OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS ON ENVIRONMENT

The absence of a centralized agency solely devoted to the formulation of policies and programmes and for the proper co-ordination of all matters °f Environmental concern at the National level in particular was keenly felt.

Even though advisory in character, it will be in a position to bring about greater understanding, collaboration and co-ordination in this field of work. The District Environmental Agencies — will represent the Central Environ­ mental Authority in the respective Districts.

The SACEP Region displays a great deal of unity amidst diversity. Thus it affords a unique opportunity for a collaborative approach towards the protection and management of the environ­ ment.

The establishment of two vital institutions at the National and Regional levels would constitute two important landmarks in the evolution of environmental thought and action in our part of the world. THE EMERGENCE OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS ON ENVIRONMENT

I consider it a privilege and an honour to have been invited to address this Seminar on two important subjects — namely the proposed National Environmental Act and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme. At the very outset I wish to congratulate the Ministry of Trade and Shipping for the initiative taken in organising this Seminar in collaboration with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the Swedish Environmental Protection Service.

This Seminar will focuss attention on several areas which are of vital interest to an island community grappling with problems connected with man and the environment as well as rapid economic development and the environ­ ment. During the two days devoted to this Seminar, discussions will take place on the state of the marine environment and related eco-systems with particular emphasis on the problems of marine pollution, both from land based and off shore sources as well as the adequacy of legislation, both national and interna­ tional in the preservation, conservation and utilization of marine resources which undoubtedly are being fast depleted, desecrated or degraded.

In school and in the University, we were taught that the oceans and the seas cover approximately two-third of the surface area of the earth and that they constitute a vast store house of natural resources; hitherto unfathomed and by and large unexploited. The marine environment is very much responsible for the regulation of the atmosphere through winds, rainfall and humidity. The sea routes also provide the cheapest known mode of heavy trasportation. The oceans also provide man with food, minerals, essential chemicals, etc. Compared with land, the oceans are less polluted but their vast resources remain underutilized. Therefore, both from the point of view of conservation and controlled utilization our attempts in policy formulation; in the establishment of the desired legal and institutional framework; and in establishing programmes; I must say — we are not too late — unlike in the case of land masses where the axe has fallen more heavily and sharply.

The conflict between environment and development has turned out to be not only adverse but critical to the environment, particularly In Sri Lanka which has to support a population of 14 million on a land area of 16 million acres. The National Environmental Act was conceived of by the Hon. R. Premadasa, Prime Minister, at a time when Sri Lanka could no longer afford to misuse its limited resources. Moreover, it was felt that all development should take

National Seminar on Marine Environment and related eco-systems

Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Colombo 22nd & 23rd July, 1980. 12 place within the framework of a realistic national policy on the environment, which would attempt to reconcile development with environmental protection and management.

On the instructions of the Hon. Prime Minister the Ministry of Local Govern­ ment, Housing & Construction convened a National Seminar on Environmental Protection and Management. held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in July, 1978. This Seminar can be considered as the starting point of the enact­ ment of the basic law on the environment which will be tabled in Parliament shortly called the National Environmental Act. The Seminar noted the existence of over 50 laws ranging from the Crown Lands Ordinance to the Tourist Deve­ lopment Act in the Statute Book, covering different aspects and segments of the environment, enacted over a period of 150 years or more, admlnisterd by different Ministries, Degartments, etc. Many of these laws were either inade­ quate or too scattered. Several of them were confined to the statute book due to lack of administrative supporting services for their effective enforcement.

The absence of a centralised agency for the formulation of policies and programmes connected with the adequate protection and efficient management of the environment was highlighted at this Seminar. There was very little or no co-ordination with regard, to programme on the environment at the national, district and village level.

The proposed National Environmental Act is in"terd to fill many of these gaps. It will occupy the prestigious position of being the basic law on the environment, in Sri Lanka. The National Environmental Authority that will be established under this Law is expected to secure through the proper manage­ ment of the environment and the rational use of its resources the optimum benefits to society and the country as a whole. It is also aimed at the restora­ tion and preservation of the national heritage of Sri Lankans for the benefit of all. generations present and future. This law will provide umbrella cover to all existing and future legislation on the environment. It will not usurp the powers and functions, the rights and privileges of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The implementation and the enforcement of different laws will con­ tinue to be the responsibility of the line Ministries.

The Chairman and Members of the Authority will be constantly guided by the advice of the Council which comprises of senior officers of 18 Ministries and 3 Members nominated to represent the interests of voluntary agencies in the fields of policy formulation surveys and investigations, research, quality control, laying down standards and norms, education and training, planning, preservation and the conservation of the environment. The Authority will also be empowered to formulate and recommend in consultation with the Council and respective line Ministries policies, strategies, programmes, schemes, etc., of land use, natural resources, fisheries, wild life, forests, soil and such other vital areas of the environment.

Co-ordination at the district level will be ensured through District Environ­ mental Agencies chaired by the Government Agent for each District. The Authority will function under the direct supervision and guidance of the Hon. Prime Minister. It is hoped that with the enactment of this legislation and the establishment of the Authority, a National Master Plan for the protection and management of the environment would be formulated and that a wide and unsurmountable gap that prevailed at the very base of the pyramid of the environment would have been bridged.

13 Now I wish to switch my mind to the second subject on which I have been called upon to speak, namely the South Asia Co-operative Environment Pro­ gramme or SACEP as it is now called in abbreviated form. As the very name suggests SACEP is a regional grouping of ten countries located in South Asia with quite a number of them having a common shore line washed by the Indian Ocean. The very concept of a regional grouping on the subject of the environ­ ment is unique. We have heard of regional groupings, which are political, econo­ mic, religious or social. But this is the first occasion on which ten countries have been brought together solely on the subject of environment.

SACEP was born out of the initiative taken by the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Environment Programme. located in Bangkok which convened an inter-governmental expert group meeting at the Regional Centre for Technology Transfer in Bangalore, from the 10th to the 15th of March 1980. The purpose of the meeting was to consider the feasibility of establishing a South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme. I am happy that I had the rare privilege of leading the Sri Lanka delegation at this meet­ ing. The South Asia Sub-region comprises ten. countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The Inter-governmental Expert Group meeting was of the unanimous opinion that the South Asia Sub-region, stretching from the Himalayan chain at one end to the Indian Ocean at the other, with a diversity of land forms,, water bodies, climates, soils, natural vegetation and human settlements, afforded a unique opportunity for a collaborative approach towards the protection and management of the environment. Amidst such diversity there existed a great deal of unity in ecological characteristics, the way of life and the problems of develop­ ment common to the region. The deliberations were held under the headings Environmental Management, Management of Natural Resources, Desertification, Regional Seas Programme, Energy and the Environment, Education and Training and the establishment of a South Asia Co-operative Programme.

The meeting unanimously adopted that it would be mutually beneficial to establish a Regional organisation of the ten member countries enjoying equal status designated the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme. The meeting also unanimously resolved that the Secretariat of the Co-ordinating Committee of SACEP be established in Sri Lanka.

With the approval of the Cabinet, the Secretariat of SACEP has already been established in the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Construction pend­ ing the transfer of same to the Central Environmental Authority once it is established. The Secretariat will be reviewing the progress of the various pro­ grammes and activities that will be undertaken under SACEP and in particular the activities of the focal points identified for specific subject areas.

The Secretariat will also identify additional areas and activities that are of concern to S^CEP from time to time including activities that the countries may wish to undertake directly or between 2 or more of them. SACEP will also secure technical and other assistance and arrange for meetings of the member countries for formulation of programmes, follow up and review.

It was also decided that the Regional Office of UNEP should convene shortly a highlevel meeting of Government officials to work out Articles of Association, Programme Modalities and functions of each focal point and of the Co-ordinating Committee. This meeting will'be followed by a meeting of Ministers which would adopt a declaration or convention and approve the programme.

14 The meeting also adopted the establishment oi several focal points which will serve as the primary institutional points for carrying forward the agreed pro­ gramme components in the specialised areas identified. Some of the key focal points so far identified are — India for Legislation, Education and Training — Iran for Energy, Wild Life and Environmental quality — Bangladesh for Corals, Island Eco-systems, Mangroves,. Deltas and Coastal areas — Nepal for Tourism — Pakistan for Mountain Eco-systems, Social Forestry and. Wild Life — Sri Lanka for Environmental Impact Assessment, Cost Benefit Analysis and Environment and Development — SACEP for Desertification and Regional Seas Programme, etc. These focal points will serve as the receiving and disseminating centres for orga­ nised exchange of materials and information and ongoing field activities in the participating countries. Such focai points will be permanently linked to each other and to the Secretariat.

In conclusion I wish to once again to congratulate the Ministry of Trade and Shipping not only for organising this Seminar but also for the invaluable work done on the proposed Marine Pollution Prevention Act for the Prevention and Control of Pollution of Sri Lanka Waters and the Traffic Seperation Scheme off Dondra Head which I believe would be a reality soon. I wish to give this Seminar the assurance on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government, Housing & Construc­ tion and the Hon. the Prime Minister that both in the formulation and imple­ mentation of the legislation as well as the different programmes and schemes the Central Environmental Authority which will be set up shortly as well as the SACEP Secretariat would give all possible assistance and support in the spirit of mutual co-operation and responsible participation.

15 •

» ECONOMICS, ENVIRONMENT

AND DEVELOPMENT

Environmental problems faced by the Deve­ loping Countries are twofold — those that have their roots in poverty and those that occur as side effects of the development process itself.

People at the margin of existence cannot afford the luxury of conserving for the future. The remedy lies in finding a process of develop­ ment through conservation.

Planning for Economic Development must include full consideration of potential effects on the natural aad_social systems that make up the

Human Environment. ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

I consider it a privilege to have been able to attend the Ninth Session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme which is being held in this beautiful city of Nairobi, the Capital of Kenya. Nairobi, pro­ bably, is the only city which could boast of having provided host facilities for the establishment of two United Nations Agencies — namely UKEP and UNCHS- This in itself speaks of its central location, salubrious climate, facilities offered as well as the hospitality and the friendliness of the people of this city. I wish to take this opportunity to convey to the Government and the people of Kenya and to the Executive Director and the staff of UNEP the good wishes and warm feelings of cordiality of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.

Mr. President, at the very outset I wish to thank the 35th General Assembly of the United Nations for electing Sri Lanka to the membership of the Govern­ ing Council for a three-year term, commencing the 1st of January 1981. I wish to assure all the member-states* as well as the Governing Council that Sri Lanka would make every endeavour to discharge the onerous duties and responsibilities cast on it for creation of a safe and sound environment for the benefit of the present and future generations of not only Sri Lanka, but to whatever extent possible, in the rest of the world as well.

It is indeed a happy coincidence that Dr. Mostafa K. Tolba, has been elected to be the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment pro­ gramme for a further four-year term, beginning on the 1st of. January, 1981, along with the election of Sri Lanka to this Governing Body. While congratula­ ting Dr. Tolba, I wish to assure him that Sri Lanka would extend its fullest co-operation for the realisation of the objectives to which we are all committed to.

I need not emphasise the fact that the Ninth Session of the Governing Coun­ cil is being held at a critical time in the history of mankind for two reasons. Firstly population, particularly in the developing countries, is increasing at an alarmingly rapid rate, while food production has not been able to keep pace both in nutritional terms and in terms of quantity. The rapid degradation of the environment and the depletion of natural resources that has been going on everywhere unabated has been at least partly responsible for this big deficit in the global food balance sheet. There is no doubt that proper environmental management could contribute to narrowing this gap and easing the situation for many countries, if not for the whole world. Secondly the energy crisis is making heavy inroads into the development efforts of the poor countries thus forcing negative results in many of the development projects these countries have undertaken. UNEP can. make a significant contribution to soften the blow brought about by the energy crisis by assisting member states to streng­ then their research and development capabilities in the field of alternative sources of energy and more particularly renewable sources such as wind, bio-gas, solar, etc.

Ninth Session of the Governing Council of: the United Nations Environment Programme Nairobi, 13th to 26th May, 1981. 18 The environmental problems faced by developing countries can be grouped into two distinct categories — those that have their roots in poverty such as lack of basic amenities and those that occur as side effects of the develop­ ment process itself.

The problems emanating from poverty are of greater magnitude and of immediate concern. The challenge of providing adequate productive land for the people to produce their food and livelihoods is in conflict with the need to protect the forest cover, the soil and water relationships and the wild life. On the other hand, the development process calls for a large capital outlay on basic infrastructure services such as water, sanitation, electricity and roads.

Economic indicators offer important clues to the quality of life in a country. Looking at the 18 countries with the per capita gross national product lower than $100, we find that these countries record the highest infant mortality rates and the lowest life expectancies in the world. Not surprisingly, these nations also suffer from the lowest per capita protein consumption and the highest population per physician. Literacy, too, is at its lowest here. However, trends in economic development combined with measures to improve social equity offer hope for a better life for the poorest people in the world.

Unfortunately, about 75% of the people in the developing world have failed to enjoy the benefits of recent improvements in income and quality of life. As a result, the gaps which persist between the poorest and the most advanced people of the developing countries are on the same scale as those between the developing nations as a group and the industrialised world. It becomes increa­ singly misleading, in fact, to speak of the "developing nations" as though they were a monolithic group. Their diversity and range of income cannot be . over emDhasised. Within individual countries the discrepancies between the poorest and the most affluent people can also be enormous. Learning how to reach the very poor with the benefits of development is a continuing challenge for national governments and international aid agencies.

It is well-known that the physical environment surrounding the poor is inevitably abused. People at the margin of existence cannot afford the luxury of conserving for the future but must take wood for fuel where they find it, let livestock graze on whatever land there is to be found, and work the land to exhaustion in putting food on their tables. Forests are stripped, land erodes, and water is polluted with wastes. These are the environmental problems of poverty. Their cure can be found ultimately in the gradual elimination of poverty itself, through development that is planned with environmental soundness as one of its objectives.

For a long time, land and natural resources were exploited without rest­ raint — arid wastes were discharged in to the air and water. Natural resources were considered inexhaustible because many of them had the capacity to rege­ nerate. However, it has now been realised that regeneration could be rather slow and complicated, while over exploitation could lead to complete des­ truction.

Human welfare is intimately tied to such measures as the productivity of agricultural land, the availability of clean water, and the abdundance of natural resources. People can be helped greatly by the extension of irrigation, construction of water supply and waste treatment facilities, improvement of cultivation methods and conservation of resources. 19 In recent years, however, developed and developing nations alike have come to recognise that adverse environmental impacts can result inadvertently from the development process itself and can endanger its results. Efforts to plan development projects around sound environmental principles are often hampe­ red by a lack of knowledge, inadequate financial resources, or conflicting goals. As land is cleared and exploited for agriculture, wildlife and flora are affected, species are lost, and even the land may lose its natural productivity. Irrigation systems, unless well-planned and managed, result in salinized land unfit for crops and in rapid increases in debilitating disease.

Also the early stages of industrialisation are associated with high costs in environmental degradation and extreme human misery. Frightfully long working hours, pitifully low wages, and unhealthy and unsafe working place environments exist in many cities of the developing world today as surely as in the "dark satanic mills" of Manchester 150 years ago.

But well-intended improvement measures sometimes fail because their recipients fail to receive and In some cases, even to perceive their benefits Impoverished villagers in India or Upper Volta may resist the advantages of environmentally sound energy projects designed to reduce their dependence on scarce firewood because they see the new system as a loss of valued self- sufficiency and an increase in the economic and social power of the govern­ ment or private authority which delivers the alternative energy. Similarly, adults in poor societies with high infant mortality rates and primitive farming methods often value large families because they ensure ah adequate supply of , agricultural labour for the family. Such people resent and resist population control programmes which they perceive as detrimental, to their interests. Therefore, planning for economic development must include full consideration of potential effects on the natural and social systems that make up the human environment.

It is heartening to note that there is an increasing realisation throughout the world that environmental consideration are of equal or greater importance than the traditional economic and social parameters., in national planning. Environment is no longer thought of in the narrow sense of pollution control. Also today it is much more than a concern for health and sanitation. Deve­ loping countries in particular, especially through the efforts of UNEP, have resolved themselves to the position that environmental considerations rest heavily on resource management. This interest is evidenced by the fact that in the planning of especially the larger projects environmental impact assess­ ment statements and environmental cost benefit analyses are being increa­ singly used in the decision making process. It is not unusual today to read chapters on the environment appearing in national plans whether they be short-term or medium-term, in the same manner that chapters on manpower, nutrition, health and education began to appear in national plans over the last 2 or 3 decades.

We also notice another healthy feature vis-a-vis the' environment, in many of our countries. This Is the establishment of central authorities in charge of the overall subject of the environment at the highest national level. Some countries have even gone further and established Ministries to be in sole charge of this subject.

.'The subject of the environment is multi-disciplinary in character. It cuts across all known boundaries whether they be geographical, institutional or dis­ ciplinary. A significant feature in the establishment of these authorities or Ministries is the fact that there is no centralisation nor curtailment of the planning, implementation and regulatory powers enjoyed by the sister organisa- 20 tions and the specialised agencies. Such institutions appear to be taking on a . catalytic role by assisting in the formulation of overall policies and co-ordinat­ ing different programmes and projects thus preventing overlapping and guiding the different agencies towards a common goal through a process of consulation and participation. It may be of interest to point put here that the UNEP has set an example and given the lead by playing a similar role in the interna­ tional sphere.

Another noteworthy feature we have witnessed in recent years is the emergence of co-operation in the field of the- environment among countries at the regional level. Sub-regional groupings or programmes have been worked out in the Mekong basin in the South Pacific, in ASEAN and most recently in SACEP. We also find that, the international agencies, development banks and bilateral donors are gearing themselves to the tasks of sound environment management. These agencies have begun to evaluate projects in the light of environmental costs and benefits. Some agencies have gone further and have laid down environmental criteria that should be inbuilt into programmes and projects.

Permit me Mr. President, to place before this Assembly very briefly the steps that have been taken by a group of ten South Asian Countries, includ­ ing Sri Lanka, in what could be termed a unique co-operative er.deavour towards the better management and more efficient utilization of the environ­ ment.

The South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, popularly known as SACEP, is an association of 10 South Asian countries — viz. Afghsjiistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SACEP is the outcome of the initiative taken by. the Regional Office for Asia and Pacific of the United Nations Environment Programme based in Bangkok.

The principal objective of the new organisation is to promote and support the protection, management and enhancement of the environment, both natural and human, of the member coutries individually, collectively and co-operatively. It is hoped that SACEP will be in a position to make a more meaningful contribution towards the judicious use of the resources of the environment and thereby help achieve the goals of development of the member countries such as removal of poverty, reduction of socio-economic disparity and enhancement of the quality of life of the people.

The launching of SACEP is an initiative of indisputable significance for the SACEP countries as well as for the world community. All the countries in the sub-region are. confronted with the problems of rapidly growing popula­ tions. They also face the irreversible problem of the depletion of natural resources and the rapid degradation of the environment. It is also an indisputable fact that in order to meet the demands of a growing population we should not only sustain economic and social development, but also accelerate the pace of development. It is well-known that in the development process, the environment — which is the life support system of the society can be impaired as well as enhanced. Therefore, SACEP will attempt to har­ monise the relationships between environment and development, both at the national level as well as at the regional level.

It is true that the South Asian sub-region, stretching from the Himalayan range at one end to the Indian Ocean at the other, displays a diversity of land forms, climates, soils, natural vegetation and human settlements. Amidst such diversity there is a great deal of unity in ecological characteristics, the way of 21 life and the problems of development common to the region which afforded a unique opportunity for a collaborative approach towards the protection and management of the environment. The 10 member countries were also mindful of the fact that there was. a wealth of knowledge and expertise which could be shared for mutual benefit. Moreover being developing countries, all of them realised that solutions to the problems of the environment could emerge from the region itself rather than from the application of imported solutions from the industrialised world.

The establishment of SACEP had its beginning at the Inter-governmental Expert Group Meeting held in Bangalore, India, from the 10th to the 15th of March 1980. This meeting unanimously adopted that it would be mutually beneficial to establish a regional organisation of the 10 member countries enjoy­ ing equal status with its headquarters in Colombo. As decided at this meeting UNEP Bangkok once again took the initiative to convene a highlevel meeting of officials and Ministers in Colombo from the 18th to the 25th of February 1981. This meeting was concluded in a cordial atmosphere and in a spirit of mutual self-help culminating in the adoption of the Colombo declaration and the Articles of Association. The decision to establish the SACEP Secretariat in Colombo was reaffirmed and a Prb-tem Director was appointed to get down to the tasks of establishing the Office without delay. The Sri Lanka Government's offer of host facilities such as office accommodation was accepted by the member countries with appreciation.

The institutional arrangements as contained in the Articles of Association comprised the Governing Council, the Consultative Committee, Subject Area Focal Points and the Secretariat. All members of SACEP.are represented at the Governing Council at Ministerial Level. It is the principal review and delibera­ tive body of SACEP which will be responsible for determining policies and . programmes. The Governing Council will meet once a year.

The Consultative Committee is the executive arm of SACEP. Its headquar­ ters will be in Colombo and will be represented by all member governments through permanent representatives to be nominated by the respective govern­ ments. The Consultative Committee, is expected to meet about once in three months and give guidelines to the Secretariat on the implementation of the different programmes and projects and also monitor the progress of the activities of SACEP.

The most significant innovative feature in the institutional framework of SACEP is he establishment of 15 subject area focal points with each country assuming responsibility for one or two such focal points. Some of the important focal points are Environmental Impact Assessment and Environment and Deve­ lopment — Sri Lanka; Conservation of montane ecosystems and watersheds — Pakistan; Wild-life conservation — Iran; Corals, Mangroves, deltas and island ecosystems — Bangladesh; Environmental legislation, education and training — India etc.

Each focal point is expected to co-ordinate all activities pertaining to the subject area assigned in its own country as well as with the related agencies in the other countries of the region with the full knowledge and concurrence of the Secretariat. Each focal point, while financing its own activities and dissemi­ nating information, will also endeavour to bring about close liaison with other countries to avoid duplication of effort. The success of this experiment will depend not only on the energy and enthusiasm of the focal point but also in the actual practice of the spirit of sharing each other's experiences and of course in the very collaborative approach itself. 22 The Secretariat will consist of a Director and a modest number of other international officers appointed by the Governing Council from among the nominees of member governments as well as other supporting staff to be rec­ ruited from time to time. The Secretariat is expected to identify areas of critical concern, formulate programmes and projects and obtain the assistance of UNEP as well as other multi-lateral and bilateral donor agencies in the Implementa­ tion. Each country is expected to make a voluntary annual contribution as determined by the respective governments.

The deliberations, both in Bangalore and Colombo, clearly showed that each country had made considerable progress in tackling the common problems of the environment in one way or another, but yet unknown to each other. Nepal, for instance, has to its credit a solar water heating device designed, manufactured and marketed in that country. Sri Lanka has made considerable headway in the design and manufacture of a wind-mill with a water pump. India has made great strides in research and development in several fields of renewable energy such as bio-gas, solar and wind energy. The installation of a • water desalination plant based on solar energy in Pakistan evinced a great deal of interest. All these developments were bound by the common thread of appro­ priate technology, low costs and use of local materials as well as local skills. It was obvious that a regional arrangement of this nature could result in a sharing of the research effort, transfer of technology and the fostering of bilateral trade among these countries.

In conclusion it will be pertinent to mention that what SACEP has achieved is something unique; where there was ho organisation, no machinery for co-operation, the countries have decided to set-up the machinery for it. It is hoped that from this embryonic beginning — through the non-controversial subject of the environment, a stronger and a more viable United Nations of South Asia would emerge for further collaboration in the fields of political, economic and social development.

Mr. President, may I at this stage on behalf of the ten member countries of SACEP request the Executive Director of UNEP to assist the governments of these ten countries and SACEP in the implementation of their programmes, both national and regional, by way of technical assistance, institutional support and programme support.

Sri Lanka wishes to note with appreciation the proclamation by the Gene­ ral Assembly of the 3rd United Nations Development Decade starting on the 1st of January 1981 which adopted the international development strategy for the Decade. This development strategy has recognized the effective role environ­ ment can play and the meaningful contribution it can make towards national and International prosperity and human welfare. UNEP will have to now gear itself to play a prominent role in the planning and implementation of the different programmes and projects falling within its scope. We have to give environmentally meaningful contributions to the accelerated development ' that would take place during this period.

It should be emphasised that any development project should have the capacity to improve the environment rather than to desecrate or degenerate it- We should bring to focus the inalienable inter-relationship between poverty, development, environment and population. Over exploitation of non-renewable resources must be stopped. A concerted effort should be made to find new and renewable sources of energy. Serious environmental problems must be identi­ fied and high priority accorded to solving them. 23 The economic development process should not be governed by the precepts of higher per capita Income, higher growth rates, greater profits or betterment of living conditions only. Such development should be environmentally sustained and ecologically acceptable. In this context Sri Lanka looks forward to the outcome of the United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and on the least Developed Countries scheduled to take place in August and September this year. I have no doubt that UNEP would make a positive contribution at these meetings with a view to carrying forward our Ideals and aspirations vis-a-vis the protection and management of the environment.

Sri Lanka is looking forward to participating in the special session of the Governing Council of UNEP to be held in 1982 to commemorate the Tenth anniversary of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. Sri Lanka endorses the decision that this special session be open to all States and that member states be represented at a high political level.

Mr. President, during the course of this Session as per Agenda we will be discussing in depth a number of subjects dealing with Co-ordination, Pro­ grammes, Plans of Action and Funding. Sri Lanka will be making its contribu­ tion as appropriate on each of these items during the course of these delibera­ tions.

In conclusion may I reiterate Sri Lanka's position that we are firmly committed to the objectives and goals of UNEP. Sri Lanka even though not In a position to make financial contributions of any meaningful magnitude could still assist UNEP with its well developed manpower resources and reassure this August assembly that we would make every effort to discharge our duties and responsibilities as a newly elected member of the Governing Council.

24 LAND TENURE AND OWNERSHD? IN SRI LANKA

Land is a finite resource. Hence down the ages it has been a repository of all human emotions. It is also an important factor of production.

Throughout history mankind has interacted with land through reclamation, recycling and regulating tenure and ownership to bring about effective, efficient arid rational utilization of land resources.

State land policy has continued to remain paternalistic in nature until very recent times. Protected tenancy in Sri Lanka has acted as a counter productive device.

The introduction of the Paddy Lands Act of 1958 pioneered the tenancy laws by providing secu­ rity of tenure to tenant cultivators of paddy lands.

The Land Reform Laws of the 1970's resulted in the expropriation of over 1.6 million acres of productive land by the State.

In the absence of a substantive distributive element necessitated by economic rather than political considerations, it had no true impact on the impoverished peasantry of the country. LAND TENURE OWNERSHIP IN SRI LANKA by Mr. K. H. J. Wijayadasa and Mr. J. Alwis.

Land Resources

Land is a finite resource. Hence down the ages it has been a repository of all human emotions. Land provides status, wealth and power. Looked at from the point of view of Western Economics, it is an important factor of produc­ tion.

People demand land for the three consumption requirements of shelter, security and amenities. In relation to agriculture, land is primarily a produc­ tive resource. But urban land is a heterogeneous commodity. It is an asset as well as a consumption good. In housing land is a factor of production. In the urban context the demand for land emanates from the need for housing, recreation, Industry, commerce and such other uses.

Land is an inelastic commodity. Hence, its scarcity is inevitable. The rising prices of urban land Is a well-known phenomenon. The demand for land rests on the functional priorities of location, security of tenure and the amenities. New land can be generated through reclamation. Under-utilized lands can be recycled towards higher efficiency and greater productivity. Also with* the march of urbanisation, rural or semi-urban lands get converted to urban uses.

Throughout history, mankind has interacted with land through reclamation, recyling and regulating tenure and ownership to bring about effective, efficient and rational utilisation of available land resources.

Land Tenure & Ownership in Sri Lanka Land tenure could be defined as the right to the ownership and/or the use of land. An examination of land tenure and ownership, and of recent times Land Reform in Sri Lanka would give present day planners and economists an insight into the systems and controls that prevailed during historical times as well as the lessons that can be drawn for their application in today's context.

The land ownership patterns and the tenural systems prevailing in Sri Lanka today are the result of a process of evolution over many centuries. In ancient and medleVal Sri Lanka all lands belonged to the King with certain lands being held by individuals who received them from the King for an act which drew King's special favour. There is no doubt that land was a social asset and all citizens enjoyed the right of possession and use of the King's lands by virtue of the effort put into the development of such land.

VNCHS-EDI / WORLD BANK COURSE ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE URBAN HABITAT Colombo & Madras 8th February to 19th March, 1982. 26 There were still other types of private freehold lands which had been gifted by the King. "Nindagam" lands were held, by chieftans on a deed of grant called "Sannasa". Such lands which were called paravenl became personal pro­ perty. Such land could be passed down from father to son. Likewise "Vihara- gam" and "Devalagam" were lands allocated to maintain Buddhist or Hindu Temples. Lands gifted as "Gabadagam" were the royal villages which provided the requirements of royalty.

An important tenural system that prevailed in ancient Sri Lanka was "Rajakariya" or service tenure. Here the service was attached to the land. Even when the land was handed down from father to son, the services to be performed came to be transferred with the land.

All citizens also enjoyed communal ownership over forests and pastures by way of the right to graze their cattle, collect firewood and to engage in chena or shifting cultivation.

Another important and widespread tenural relationship that existed and which is prevalent even today is the system of share cropping or "Ande" cultivation where the tenant pays the land owner the rent for the use of the land in cash or kind.

Sri Lanka being primarily an agricultural country certain safeguards had come into operation to combat fragmentation in the face of the operation of laws of inheritance. "Tattumaru" or the system of rotating the turn for cul­ tivating the land among the shareholders for the purpose of consolidation and achieving economies of scale is a unique example of a safeguard against the ill-effects of fragmentation. Another practice which prevails even today is "Bethma" cultivation where during periods of water shortage the share­ holders of land under a tank jointly resolve to cultivate only their shares closest to the tank thus ensuring equity as weH as productivity.

The turning point in these tenural relationships occurred after the British evinced a commercial interest In coffee cultivation for which large tracts of land were required from the mid and up country regions of Sri Lanka. Although the .average peasant grew coffee on a home garden scale, the economic forces that Were unleashed with the coffee industry in the 1840s created an insatiable demand' for which only large scale commercially managed plantations could provide the answer. Hence with a view to expropriating land the British rulers in 1840 introduced the Crown Lands Ordinance which is also known as the Waste Lands Ordinance. Under this Ordinance all waste lands such as forest, chena, uncultivated and unoccupied land were presumed to be the property of the crown until the contrary was proved. The presumption In favour of the crown was too strong for the peasants to hold themselves against the inroads made by the implementation of this Ordinance. Thus the peasants were dep­ rived of what they thought was their inalienable right to the use of land. Its implementation however marks the establishment of a large land bank for the crown by expropriation and without compensation.

The subsequent sale of these lands to British planters at around 5 Shillings per acre was facilitated by the security of tenure that was afforded by the state. While the Waste Lands Ordinance was the forerunner to the develop­ ment of a massive plantation industry in the succeeding decades, it also brought misery and hardship to thousands of peasants through acute law­ lessness and loss of means of sustenance. 27 The Land Development Ordinance of 1935 heralded a new era for the pea­ santry in Sri Lanka, This piece of legislation which is still considered unique in all respects reflected a change in the heart of the British colonial policy towards the peasantry in this country. Essentially it was an attempt to bring about a resurgence in paddy cultivation which was hitherto neglected by the colonial masters who until then were preoccupied with the plantation sector. This Ordinance provided the legal and institutional framework for the syste­ matic development of crown land in Sri Lanka and also for the establishment of a suitable tenure for the alienation of crown land. Large number of pea­ sant families came to be settled by the restoration of ancient irrigation schemes which once provided the economic back-bone of Sri Lanka. It also enabled the dispersal of the population from the densely populated wet zone to the sparsely populated dry zone.

The tenural system that emerged put of the implementation of this Ordinance was a protected tenancy Wherein the land was given over to tne peasant on certain conditions such as the prohibition on sale, mortgage, leasing,. sub-dividing, etc. This Ordinance is strongly reminiscent of the paternalistic attitude of state land policy and land administration which continues up to date. The protection of the tenancy that the Land Development Ordinance brought about also acted as a counter productive device. Not being freehold land the peasant was not interested in effecting permanent improvements and investments. However, these lands are now being given outright by way of grants to the peasants in terms of the policy of the government.

The passage of the Crown Lands Ordinance of 1947 is another landmark in land administration in Sri Lanka. It provided a comprehensive and flexible basis for making crown land available for development, for public purposes as well as for individuals and institutions- It enabled the making of absolute or provisional grants for the sale, lease or disposal of crown land by way of agreements, permits, etc. The Land Development Ordinance and the Crown Lands Ordinance still remain. as the principal legal instruments for the alienation, utilization and development of crown lands in Sri Lanka.

The introduction of the Paddy Lands Act of 1958 pioneered the tenancy laws for providing security of tenure to tenant cultivators who were engaged in share cropping. It sought to grant relief to cultivators who were either being displaced or evicted by landlords. This Act was able to bring about at least a partial solution to diminishing productivity and lack of capital investment in land while to some extent stabilising rural incomes.

Land Reform in Sri Lanka

The introduction of the Land Reform Law in 1973 is an important mile­ stone in regulating tenure and ownership in Sri Lanka. Approximately 1.2 million acres of agricultural land owned by some 5,000 land owners were sub­ jected to a land ceiling of 50 acres per declarant. In the case of paddy lands the ceiling was fixed at 25 acres. The total extent of land so expropriated amounted to 560,000 acres of which 60% was in the plantation sector. It has been argued that this does not constitute a land reform in the true sense of the term as the extents that came to be distributed among the landless pea­ sants and the agricultural labourers were not more than 150,000 acres.

With the passage of the Land Reform (Amendment) Law of 1975 nationa­ lisation Of Public Company Estates owned by local and foreign shareholders was also completed. This exercise resulted in the expropriation of some 410,000 acres of productive estate lands. These estates are now being managed by two 28 state sector plantation corporations. There was no substantial distributive element in this land reform either except that small extents of land of doubtful or marginal productivity have been allocated for housing and infrastructure development.

All these measures taken over a period of 1£ centuries have enabled the state to exercise control over 75% of the total land area in Sri Lanka. This vast land resource can now be brought under planned development for the common good of the nation. It has also given the state a controlling influence over land prices in areas where such land is available in abundance. This vast accumula­ tion of land would also -act as a land bank for future expansion and develop­ ment. However, it must be pointed out that unless carefully manipulated such monopolistic control over Land can result in serious discrepancies and deformi­ ties in the land market. The enactment of the land Grants (Special Provisions) Act No. 43 of 1979 and the Amendments to the Land Development Ordinance would enable the Government to Issue land grants or freehold title as the case may be to the owners of some 800,000 acres of land which are now under state controlled leasehold tenure.

The Urban Scene

In Sri Lanka there are major differences in land use, ownership, tenure and administration between the rural areas and the urban areas. Of the total land area of 16 million acres a little over l/3rd has been developed under different crops, townships, etc. Another l/3rd of the total land area is said to be unculti- vable since they are under water bodies, rock out-crops, marshes, forests, pastu­ res, etc. Within the next 2 or 3 decades around 2/3rds of the country should get opened up for human habitation and development.

Utilization of land in the urban areas poses a different picture altogether. On the one hand there is very little unutilized land. In the Colombo Municipal area out of a total extent of 9,220 acres of land only 12.8% remains undeveloped. The so-called developed lands have been put to varying uses such as residential commercial, industrial and recreational.

Most of the lands In the prime commercial areas of the city are said to be underutilized. Due to historic reasons valuable commercial lands are occupied by warehouses, slums and shanties and such other dilapidated structures. In their present state many of these lands cannot be efficiently utilized for lack of water, sewerage, power, transport, communications, etc. It is in this context that state intervention has become necessary through planning, development of infrastructure, control of ownership and tenure and the creation of the correct investment climate.

As stated earlier, a significant feature in the pattern of land ownership in Sri Lanka is the fact that the state has gained control over very nearly 75% of the total land.area of Sri Lanka. In the urban areas the situation is quite different. For example in the city of Colombo only 20% of the total land area is under state ownership or control. In a free market economy it is not abso­ lutely essential for the state to be in control over all or the major portion of the land. State intervention in the land market may be necessary to keep prices down. Also to achieve planned development through the provision of the basic infrastructures, the state should have control over certain lands. Moreover, state intervention through planning, regulations and other incentives is required to optimise the efficiency of prime land. In fact the Land Acquisition Act pro­ vides for the acquisition of any land by the state for any public purpose.

29 A significant addition to the stock of urban land has come from two sources in recent times- Firstly the application of the Ceiling on Housing Property Law which was enacted in 1973 resulted in the vesting of 11,000 houses together with the appurtenant land in the Commissioner of National Housing. Of this around 9,000 houses are located within the city of Colombo. Approximately 400 acres of land has.been vested in this process and would be available to state agencies for planned development work. Such vested houses which carry a rental of less than Rs. 25/- have already been transferred outright to the tenants. However, government retains the right to take back the houses and the land for develop­ ment after offering such persons alternative accommodation. This indeed is an urban land reform which has enabled the government to obtain valuable urban land for redevelopment. At the same time the state will be able to grant secu­ rity of tenure to the flat dwellers coming into residence in these lands.

Secondly the stock of land in Colombo in particular has been enhanced in recent years by the accelerated programme of land reclamation. It has been estimated that the total extent of land reclaimed during the last 4 years is around 5 times the total area that has been reclaimed since the inception of the Reclamation Board. The Urban Development Authority and the National Housing Development Authority have been able to utilise these reclaimed lands for different uses including relocation of industry, warehousing, etc. which are a hindrance to the modernisation of the core-city.

We have witnessed a phenomenal increase in land prices, both in Colombo and in the outstations, during the last 3 years which is unprecedented. Land prices which were in the region of Rs. 15,000 per perch in the prime commercial areas of the city of Colombo have risen to Rs. 150,000 per perch. Likewise, prices which were in the region of Rs. 5,000 per perch in the prime residential areas have risen up to Rs. 50,000 per perch. There is also a corresponding increase in the prices of agricultural land away from the urban centres. However, this increase is only about five-fold compared to a ten-fold increase in Colombo.

It has been said that the primary reason for the soaring of land prices is the liberalisation of the economy and the stable investment climate that has been prevailing since 1977. The new government has been following a free market economic policy. Most of the controls that existed by way of quotas, permits and exchange control regulations have been abandoned or relaxed. This has resulted in an influx of foreign capital, goods and personnel. Thus a heavy demand has been created for urban land, housing, hotels and office accommoda­ tion. It is hoped that the operation of the forces of supply and demand will stabilise land prices, rents and even construction costs in due course.

In the urban areas of Sri Lanka the system of land tenure which are clearly discernible are encroachments, private freeholds and leaseholds and public free­ holds and leaseholds. No serious attempts have been made to evaluate these different forms of land tenure in relation to policy criteria such as efficiency, equity, compatibility and continuity. It is said that in free market economies like ours, private freehold and leasehold ownership would bring about the most efficient and productive use of land. As against this it is often said that public freeholds and leaseholds breed inefficiency. However, the establishment of the necessary legal and institutional framework through the Urban Development Authority should bring about the necessary manipulations and interventions for the smooth operation of the land market.

The lack of clear title to land emanating from co-ownership and the multi­ plicity of undivided shares has had a dampening effect on the Sri Lanka land market. Sri Lanka has been following a system of deed registration of land

30 transactions. This archaic system has not only been spurious but acted as a constraint in the development of the real estate market. In the absence of title registration private developers have to resort to a laborious process of title insurance to satisfy security of title to the prospective lending institution.

Many countries have now taken to title registration which ensures a state guarantee and the security of title to the owner. But title registration can be introduced only if there is a system of cadastral, surveys. The need for title registration in Sri Lanka was recognised as early as in 1884. But no concrete steps have been taken to introduce this at least in the urban areas where a real demand exists.

In conclusion it should be noted that no separate legislation has so far been enacted to regulate land tenure and ownership In urban areas. The existing laws governing Ownership, tenure, and acquisition are of universal application to the whole country. With the rapid advances we are now making in urbanisation, It may well be necessary for the Land> Ministry and the Urban Development Authority to enact special legislation. The draft law which has been prepared to regulate and control the purchase of land in Sri Lanka by foreigners, is a step In this direction.

31

DEVELOPMENT PLANNING FOE SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH

The Challenge that we face today is that of creating a whole new approach to growth, to the process of growth and to the determination of the patterns of growth.

The choice is no longer between Environment and Development but rather among alternative development possibilities with varying impli­ cations on the quality of the environment.

The essential prerequisites of balance and sustainable growth are; careful husbanding of resources, eliminating wasteful uses, foster­ ing of recycling and the substitution of renew­ able resources obtained through good resource use and management. : • DEVELOPMENT PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

I consider it an honour to have been invited to deliver the keynote address at this Workshop for Senior Management personnel in Sri Lanka on Environ­ mental Management. Your presence here today reflects the interest that Senior Managers like you have shown in the protection and management of the environment in which we live. It is also a recognition of the need to work together in co-operation to • meet the challenge of reconciling environmental management and deveolpment in our country.

This Workshop today is significant in several respects. This is the first public Seminar or workshop to be sponsored by the newly established Central Environmental Authority. I am grateful to the National Institute of Business Management and the International Labour Organization for giving us this opportunity to co-sponsor this important event. I am particularly thankful to Mr- M. C. Mathupala, Deputy Director-General of the NIBM, who initiated the sponsoring of this Workshop and who was the live-wire behind its organisation. May I also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Dr. Michael C. Roy- ston of the International Management Institute of Geneva, without whose active promotion and support, this Workshop could not have been a reality.

As you are no doubt aware the year 1982, marks the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Environment Programme, which was launched with the U.N. Conference on the Human Environment at Stockholm in 1972. The Central En­ vironmental Authority has co-ordinated a national programme for the commemoration of this tenth anniversary — especially on World Environment Day on June 5th — and this Workshop forms an important and integral part of this total Programme of activities.

In Sri Lanka today, more than at any stage in her history attention is being drawn to the importance of considering the environmental aspects of develop­ ment. The development efforts mounted by the Government are almost unpre­ cedented. Such development must naturally bring in its wake serious environ­ mental disturbances, conflicts and disharmony which can lead to the destruction of the environment if they were not properly handled and sorted out. Sri Lanka, in fact, is the focal point for this subject area of Environment and Development under the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme and I have no doubt, that this Workshop will mark a point of departure in our efforts to integrate environmental concerns in the planning and implementation of our development activities.

CEA/NIBM/1LO WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 1 JUNE, 1982 34 I have no doubt you will agree with me that the need to find solutions to the problems of environment is critical. Indeed in no time in our history, has the need for remedial action been so urgent and insistent. In the recent years, environmental awareness has been extended to virtually all levels of our Society. But now, it is time to examine how deeply it has penetrated and to what extent it is actually influencing the behaviour of the people and specially the actions of policy makers and managers. It is true that there have--been some impressive examples in Sri Lanka, in dealing' with, specific environmental issues. A case in point is the attention paid to mitigating the adverse impact of the Mahaweli Development Project. Such examples are encouraging in that they demonstrate our ability to successfully deal with many of our environmen­ tal problems-

The challenge that we face today is that of creating a whole new approach to growth, to the process of growth and to the determination of the patterns of growth. Environment can.no longer be seen as an issue separate and distinct from growth, which can be dealt with simply by adding another element to the , current growth practices, It is through the process of growth that the environ­ ment is affected either positively cr negatively and environmental resources are both a contributor to and a result of the growth process. Therefore, the protec­ tion and the management of the environment can ultimately be effective only if it is integrated into the complex of forces by which growth is determined.

Sri Lanka, in common with most other developing countries experiences environmental problems of two broad types. The urgent and pressing problems arising from underdevelopment and poverty and those resulting from certain modes of development. On the other hand developed countries are faced with a series of complex problems resulting from the introduction of scientific and technological innovations. These could have been avoided if sufficient prior attention was paid to the environmental consequences of such activities.

Sri Lanka, during the last few years attempted to evolve new policies on the protection and management of the environment. This attempt is a commitment on the part of the Government to maintain and improve the environment in order to enhance the quality of life. As you are no doubt aware, the. need for environmental protection and management is duly recognised in our Constitu­ tion. Sri Lanka also gave priority to the establishment of the much needed legal and institutional framework for environment. The National Environmental Act, which provides for the establishment of the Central Environmental Authority was passed by Parliament in 1980. This Act, was based on the recommendations of a Seminar held in July 1978, which was attended by some of my distinguished colleagues who are present here today.

As already mentioned, in the not too distant past, our National Planning strategies viewed environmental concerns and development goals to be gene­ rally incompatible. This was partly due to the fact that economic planners considered the Gross National Product as the supreme target of growth and development. But in recent years, there has been increasing doubt about the validity of conventional growth patterns, and indicators such as the quality of life have come to the forefront. Measured in conventional economic terms of the GNP, the economic performances of most of the developing countries have been close to targetted growth rates. However, in many critical areas little pro­ gress has been made. Particularly this is so in the sectors which contribute . to the overall betterment of the quality of life.

35 The dominating environmental concerns of the We.st, such as pollution, con­ servation, etc., which have been mainly articulated by developed countries were also a cause of viewing developmental goals as being incompatible with environ­ mental concerns. But during the.last few years, the concepts and issues involved in the environment — development interface, especially in our developing world' have'become clearer. The interpretation of the term 'environment' has been broadened to include problems of critical importance to us, such as management of resources, improvement of human settlements and the development of rene­ wable sources of energy.

We all now agree that the dilemma facing the developing world, is. that there is an urgent need lor development and that poverty itself, brings in its wake a form cf environmental degradation which forces its victims into des­ tructive processes while leaving them without the means to < cope with the ensuing results. At the same time the concept of development h as moved towards a more comprehensive and realistic interpretation which embraces, among other things, sustained improvement in the quality of life, eradication of acute poverty and equitable participation of people in the benefits of development.

The choice thai, is open to us now is no longer between environment and development but rather among alternative development possibilities, with vary­ ing implications on the quality of the environment. We new have to identify and pursue those alternatives in production, consumption, technology, patterns of resource use, design and layout of industries and in infrastructure and settle­ ments development, which bring about improvement in the quality of ilfe of our population on environmentally sound lines.

The subject of environmental development planning is still being evolved in Sri Lanka. We still do not have the established methodology in this sphere. Closely related is another aspect — that of environmental assessment, on which considerable work.lias taken place specially under the Mahaweli Development and the Free.Trade Zone projects. However, the promotion of the concept of environmental assessment, as well as dissemination of information on available methodology from both developing and developed country situations, and the evaluation for possible applicability to Sri Lanka have become urgent and essential.

We have reached a stage that most urgent action at the national level is needed for the increased reconciliation of environmental goals and policies with economic goals and developmental targets. In this attempt we have to face the reality that most of our environmental problems have arisen principally from poverty and its consequences, and that in this situation, remedies to many of the environmental problems could be envisaged only through balanced develop­ ment. The strategy therefore should not be to choose between growth and environmental quality, but to try to harmonize socio-economic and environ­ mental goals by re-defining patterns of resource use and the processes of growth by adopting self-reliant, need-oriented and environmentally sound policies and programmes.

To achieve this objective, growth would have to proceed on a sustained basis, through careful husbanding of resources, eliminating wasteful uses, fostering recycling and whenever possible, substituting renewable resources obtained through appropriate ecological management. Growth should, also, whenever possible, keep open the options for future by minimizing irreversible change and still more, irreversible damage. In addition, growth should strictly protect the physical environment by taking a more comprehensive view of

30 man's impact on nature, as the rate of resource exploitation, or the degree of environmental degradation does not depend only on the volume of economic activity, but on their form, content, spatial distribution and the chosen techno­ logies as well. ' .

I would like to stress here, that in the planning of development on this basis, it would be totally misleading to consider environment as one more sector of the economy that can be added to the long list of sectors- On the other hand environment has to be introduced into development planning, both as a subject calling for specific actions to be carried out through environmental management, and as a pertinent dimension of all planning decisions cutting across all sectors of the economy.

I wish to re-stress the importance of today's Workshop in the context of the need for urgent action as outlined above. Today's Workshop addresses an area of expertise which could mould and influence our development policies and pro­ grammes into a particular style or pattern. It goes without saying that the experience of our senior managers, administrators and scientists will undoub­ tedly offer a most useful forum to extend this environmental development awareness at all levels of our society. Through this forum, we hope to receive the benefits of your knowledge and long experience in our efforts to integrate environmental concerns into the national development process.

I referred earlier to the need for a profound change in attitudes, and of some traditional notions towards the subject of environment in facing the challenge of the future. We cannot any longer regard the environmental con­ cern of developed countries to be merely an irrelevant Irritant, the earlier fears that th environmental concern in developed countries^ would affect developing countries like Sri Lanka in the fields of trade, aid and transfer of technology have been overcome to a certain extent in the light of the experience of the past few years. But more important, there has been some displacement on earlier concepts on the environment which unfortunately, perhaps partly because of its recent origin in advanced economies and partly because it was originally sponsored by natural scientists, have been too much associated with popular concepts of pollution control and with extreme conservationist ideas.

Now it has been more or less accepted that environment is concerned with the totality of earths resources and that environmental management is resource use management, raher than the earlier idea of preservation.

I have made an attempt today to bring into focus the need to exercise, evaluate and eventually to select appropriate development patterns. Such deve­ lopment patterns cannot be uniform to the developing world and therefore, we cannot borrow from other countries, as prevailing conditions differ and alterna­ tive approaches become necessary. What is at issue is not only the need for alternative approaches, but the need for a choice between them and between the bases of such choice. It is also clear that rational choices must stem from a process of harmonization of social aspirations, particularly of economic policies and considerations with environmental goals and objectives. Such a process necessarily requires a national commitment and a political will on. behalf of the policy makers and also an awareness among senior managers, administra­ tors, research workers, etc., like you who assist in policy making and are respon­ sible for the implementation of policies.

May I now conclude, thanking the participants without whose co-operation and willingness, this Workshop would not have been a reality and the two collaborating Institutions — the ILO and the NIBM for providing this unparal­ leled opportunity to all of us present here on this momentous occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. 37

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Impacts on the environment, quite often adverse and sometimes beneficial, are created by the inter-action of population growth, technolo­ gical advances, accelerated economic development and changes in the political and social systems.

Even though late, we are today engaged in this great national task of evolving policies and procedures for the protection and management of the environment in the course of development.

Environmental Assessment procedures should be developed in such a way that their application will not act as a brake on development. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

I consider it a privilege to have been invited to deliver the Introductory Address at this Policy Development Seminar on Environmental Assessment Procedures. This Seminar is the direct outcome of a decision made by the Government on the recommendation of the Central Environmental Authority that Environmental Impact Assessment be made mandatory, both for public and private sector development projects commencing 1st of January, 1984 and that the year 1983 be devoted to the training of personnel and for the develop­ ment of procedures in the Environmental Assessment of development projects.

Impacts on the environment, quite often adverse and sometimes beneficial, are created by the inter-action of population growth, technological advances, accelerated economic development and changes in the political and social sys­ tems. We are all agreed that there should be continued economic growth. There is also general consensus that adverse environmental impacts generated by the process of economic development should be abated or in the least mitigated. Therefore, the real issue before us is one of harmonising the ill-effects of development with the desirable elements of environmental management.

In Sri Lanka, hitherto no attempts have been made for the incorporation of environmental considerations into the development planning process. During the last two decades we were able to integrate population, man-power, health, education, nutrition and such, other parameters into national planning. Even though late we are today engaged in this great national task of evolving policies and procedures for the protection and management of the environment in the course of development. We are all agreed that development, if it is to be sus­ tainable, must proceed in a way that environment is safeguarded — that the integrity of ecological processes is maintained and stocks of resources are con­ served.

The history of environmental assessment is not that long. For that matter the full recognition of the environment's critical importance in itself is fairly recent in origin. Envronmental Impact Assessment had its origins in the wes­ tern type industrialised societies adversely affected by pollution and other ill- effects of haphazard development. The Western EIA model was in fact an assessment of negative impacts ignoring the fact that many development pro­ jects would generate positive or beneficial impacts as well.

, . ' -7- CEA-VSAID Environmental Assessment Procedures Development Programme Policy Development Seminar — 13 to 15 September 1983, BMICH, Colombo 40 These EIA procedures were also evolved in terms of costs losing track of the fact that there could be corresponding gains through the enhancement of the environment. But today economic planners and decision makers have accepted the position that environmental assessments could be meaningful and for that matter as invaluable as technical and economic assessments of projects contri­ buting to enhancing and even optimising Input-output ratios, both at project level as well as at national level. However in the course of time EIA began to assume massive and voluminous proportions covering the whole gamut of life round a project. Thus EIA became bulky, time-consuming, costly and highly expertise-oriented.

This Policy Development Seminar is intended to evolve a set of guidelines which are general in nature and hence could be made applicable to any type of development project. The guidelines will have the flexibility to be adapted by the various project approving agencies to suit their requirements. The pro­ cedures that will be developed at this Seminar will be simple and non-technical in character and hence easily understood by the layman whether he is a private or a public sector developer.

Environmental assessment procedures have to be developed in such a way that their application will not act as a brake on development. Any delays in the approval procedures will be minimised by the application of environmental assessment procedures in several steps ranging from initial environmental examination, scoping and environmental assessment, to preparation of environ­ mental action plans and supplemental environmental reports.

It is hoped that the month long officials workshop which will follow this policy development Seminar would attempt to identify the appropriate tools and techniques of environmental assessment such as environmental cost benefit analysis as well as appropriate technologies for the mitigation, protection and enhancement of the environmental side effects of development. It will expose the participants to the linkages and inter-relatiohships that exist between man and his environment. It will also focus attention on the multi-disciplinary approach that has to be advocated in environmental assessment and application of enhancement measures.

Another integral part of this programme is to find ways and means of improving cost efficiency. This will be achieved by the transfer of technical know-how acquired by the approving agencies to the developers. Also in the initial phase, it is hoped that the approving agencies would arrive at satisfac­ tory compromise formulae acceptable to the Central Environmental Authority in keeping with the minimum standards laid down for the discharge of effluents into air, land and water and for the break-even maintenance of other natural ecc—sy stems.

I am confident that the high level participants at this Seminar will take note of the environmental Inter-relationships of development projects ranging from the adverse impact of resources used, indirectly affected, residues created, resources exhausted, depleted or deteriorated to the beneficial impacts such as resources created or enhanced as well as additional project components and resources required to ensure minimum environmental quality standards.

All those who are environmentally conscious accept the fundamental position that environmental management is the management in the use of our resources for sustainable growth. As I said before, the primary objective of this Seminar is to prepare guidelines for the integration of the environmental dimensions in project appraisal. 41 In a situation where the existing legislative and Institutional framework is weak, where even environmental quality standards have not been laid down, It may not be easy to administer environmental assessment procedures, especially in relation to private sector projects.

Likewise, in the context of the open economic policy pursued by Sri Lanka, developers will become more and more cost conscious and try to evade the environmental safeguards which are being prescribed by the approving agencies. This would necessitate careful monitoring not only during the construction phase of a project, but also during the operational phase backed by legislation which can be enforced. It Is hoped that the guidelines emerging from this Seminar will be formalised In due course as the regulations for implementing future environmental legislation.

I need not over-emphasise the fact that the major environmental concern of developing countries today is the optimal use. of their resources. Prudent use of resources requires the evaluation of a system of services accounting, the study of the environmental under-lay of inflation, effective use of local resources for the production of goods, the development and use of appropriate technology, effective re-use and recycling of waste and optimal allocation of investment. . I have no doubt that you will have these basic concepts In mind in embarking on this historic task of formulating policy guidelines for the environmental assess­ ment of development projects.

In conclusion, I wish to remind you that in the same manner that Western economic theory and economic models were not of direct or meaningful applica­ tion in the developing countries, environmental impact assessment procedures that have been developed in the industrialised world may not be of direct application or immediate relevance to the Sri Lanka situation. We are very grateful to USAID who funded this project and to TAMS, our consultants, for their deep appreciation of our requirements, potentialities and levels of application. I have no doubt that this Seminar will bring forth a set of practical guidelines and recommendations which would form the back-bone of Sri Lanka's future legislation in the environmental impact assessment of develop­ ment projects.

42 THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION STRATEGY

The Central theme of the National Conserva­ tion Strategy should be — optimum conservation through optimum Development.

Conservation is the rational management of natural resources for sustainable growth.

Development represents the principal means of meeting human needs and improving the quality of life of the people. THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION STRATEGY

We axe gathered here today to formulate a framework for the preparation of the National Conservation Strategy of Sri Lanka. Our Terms of Reference as spelt out by His Excellency the President on the recommendation of the Hon. the Prime Minister, are as follows :—

(a) Examine the present status of our natural resources in relation to their conservation and utilization for the future, (b) Identify conservation objectives with particular emphasis on preservation of natural ecosystems, genetic diversity, endangered species and life support systems, (c) Examine the causes and intensity of environmental degra­ dation and recommend urgent remedial measures, (d) Identify obstacles to conservation and recommend measures to overcome them,

(e) Indicate financial requirements and recommend the legisla­ tive and administrative framework to Implement the National Conservation Strategy,

(f) Recommend measures required to strengthen education, training and research for the implementation of the Natio­ nal Conservation Strategy,

(g) Propose guidelines for use in policy making towards the integration of conservation and development.

In the context of a National Conservation Strategy, "Conservation" can be defined as the rational management of Natural Resources for sustainable growth as against the narrow definition of protection or preservation for the sake of conservation only. Development represents the principal means of meeting human needs and improving the quality of life of the people. It entails not only the use of resources but the modification of the environment in many different ways. Therefore, the National Conservation Strategy would attempt to harmo­ nise environment and development to bring about environmentally sound and sustainable growth and development.

It has been said that the four biggest enemies of the environment in descend­ ing order of magnitude are :

(a) Development, (b) Poverty, (c) Pressure of population, and (d) Natural hazards.

'' ~ ' WORKSHOP ON NATIONAL CONSERVATION STRATEGY 44 USWETAKEIYAWA — 1 SEPT. 1984. In Sri Lanka during the last 4 to 5 decades, we have witnessed a rapid pace of development in Irrigation, Land Development, Industry, Human Settlements, etc., resulting in the destruction of natural ecosystems, depletion of resources and in several instances, loss of productivity. There are numerous examples of pollution of the Environment — the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soils that produce our national wealth. Poverty brings in its wake, two forms of environmental destruction, namely :

(a) The squalor disease and the pollution caused by the urban poor — the slum and shanty dwellers, and (b) The emergence of desertification caused by depletion of forests, soil erosion and their adverse impact on the water regime — brought about by the poverty stricken chena cultivator, the coral miner, the gatherer of firewood and many others for whom it has become a matter of survival.

The population of Sri Lanka which was 6 million in 1946 has risen to very nearly 16 million today. Out of a total land area of 16 million acres only 9 mil­ lion Is said to be cultivable. Of the cultivable extent, only around 6 million acres have been utilized so far in productive forms of agriculture. This leaves us with the stark naked figures of —

(a) a gross extent of one acre per head of population, (b) 3/5th of an acre of cultivable land per head, and (c) l/3rd of an acre of cultivated land per head.

To meet the demands of a population of 25 million in the year 2005, we will be compelled to adopt highly intensive systems of crop and animal husban­ dry, integrated farming techniques, the best available scientific knowledge and appropriate technology.

Natural hazards also have a role to play in the degradation and the destruc­ tion of the Environment. In many instances Environment left intact knows how to deal with them. If the coral reefs and the mangroves are conserved they are capable of fighting back coastal erosion, tidal waves and even cyclonic fury. Vegetation cover knows how best to combat high winds, wind erosion and the onward march of desertification. Floods are best controlled by sound environ­ mental management rather than by dams, reservoirs and flood control devices. But in the context of satisfying human needs and meeting the call for develop­ ment, we have to seek a compromise. The main objective therefore of the National Conservation Strategy is to arrive at this compromise.

A Conservation Strategy to be meaningful should comprise of 4 basic com­ ponents, namely : (a) An Inventory of the Natural Resources and the present state of their utilization and management, (b) an assessment of the supply and demand for natural re­ sources over the short, medium and long term, (c) identifying the constraints and the pressures that the natural ecosystems are likely to suffer in satisfying the human needs in relation to development, objectives and tar­ gets, and, (d) evolving a strategic approach to the management of the Environmental and Natural Resources with a view to ensur­ ing maximum sustainable growth for the present and suc­ ceeding generations. 45 Bearing in mind the terms of reference and the 4 basic components which would form the foundation and the four corner pillars respectively of the National Conservation Strategy, we should proceed to Identify the —

(a) inter-Sectoral linkages, (b) the conservation/development interactions, and (c) the obstacles to achieving conservation through develop­ ment with a view to finding the path or the strategy we must follow for achieving sustainable growth.

The identification of the Inter-Sectoral linkages would constitute one of the important elements of the strategy. We cannot get behind the fact that while on the one hand there is a perfect ecological equilibrium in nature, on the other human inteventions from whatever source or sector can set in motion both positive and negative impacts.

Following are a few examples of well established negative or adverse Inter- Sectoral Linkages:—

(a) displacement of indigenous species by exotic species, (b) loss of genetic diversity in the face of mono-culture, » (c) impact of agriculture on soil and water, W>-*\ (d) desertification arising from overgrazing, deforestation cul­ tivation of steep slopes, A- (e) health hazards caused by water pollution, (f) depletion of fisheries by over exploitation, pollution and changes in water regime, (g) coastal erosion aggravated by the destruction of corals and mangroves.

Following are some of the well known positive or beneficial Inter-Sectoral Linkages :— (a) rehabilitation of wastelands through irrigation and crop husbandry, (b) recreation of Parks and Reserves through the conservation of catchments, (c) development of hydro-power which reduces air pollution caused by coal or oil fired generators.

In our strategy, we should also take note of the incidence of conservation / development interactions, their magnitude and cost benefit implications, I would like to give some examples —

(a) losses or gains in productivity and production, (b) impact of variations in cropping systems, cultural practices and land use, (c) costs and benefits of process modification, recycling of indus­ trial effluents and relocation of industrial units, (d) case for a system of Kandyan forest garden oriented agri­ culture as against mono-culture, (e) integration of crop and animal husbandry, (f) integration of poultry and fish farming, (g) energy efficient fuelwood stoves to combat deforestation and save on fossil fuels. 46 These are some of the issues we have to address our minds in the develop­ ment of the National Conservation Strategy of Sri Lanka. We must realise that in the development of a strategy for sustainable growth we have to compromise a great deal. We may have to concede some bad points in exchange for some good points. We must recognise that there are trade offs.

Finally, our strategy should clearly define and demarcate the path for future prosperity through sustainable growth. Such a Plan of Action should be realis­ tic and achievable. It should be acceptable to the politicians, planners, scien­ tists, technocrats, bureaucrats, and above all to the people. It should detail out all the necessary interventions from every possible angle, such as —

(a) Laws and law enforcement, (b) institutional support, (c) policies, programmes and projects, (d) planning, co-ordination, implementation and monitoring, (e) protection, conservation and management, (f) public awareness, (g) research and training, (h) education, both formal and non-formal, (i) popular participation, (j) choice of technology, (k) financial viability and cost effectiveness, (1) technical feasibility, acceptability and adaptability.

No strategy would be final and conclusive. It has to change with the times. But let us resolve ourselves to give an environmental dimension to the develop­ ment process. Let us bear in mind that our central theme would be Optimum Conservation through Optimum Development.

47 100 MILLION TREES PROGRAMME

We should not underestimate the fact that while providing food, timber, medicine, fuelwood shade and organic matter Trees have a prominent role to play in maintaining the ecological equili­ brium of our planet.

Apart from overcoming the ill effects of deforestation, the economic, social, physical, cultural and national advantages of maintaining an adequate tree cover are many.

Our history is full of instances where our Rulers dedicated themselves to the cause of Tree Planting by establishing Parks and Reserves, issuing Proclamations for the planting of trees and severely dealing with those found guilty of forest offences. 100 MILLION TREES PROGRAMME

I am extremely happy to be present here today and to address you on the 100 Million Trees Programme launched by the Hon. the Prime Minister and tq outline the role of the media in the achieving of the objectives of this Pro­ gramme. As you are probably aware, the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme at its Governing Council Meeting held in Colombo in early 1983 adopted a resolution proclaiming the Year 1988 as the Year of the Trees for South Asia. The Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Pro­ gramme endorsed the SACEP declaration and called upon all the countries in Asia and the Pacific to adopt and extend the Year of the Trees resolution to the whole of Asia and the Pacific, especially in view of the high man-land ratios, the destruction and deforestation that is going on in this Continent leading to desertification as well as the intricate co-relationship that exists between man and trees in every aspect of life, whether it be food, shelter, medicine, energy, agriculture, etc.

Tree planting has been considered a noble activity in Sri Lanka from very ancient times- In fact, our ancient rulers dedicated themselves to this cause by establishing parks and reserves, issuing proclamations for the planting of trees as well as for safeguarding what had been planted or had grown naturally. So also was their concern for wild life. In almost every religion, tree planting is taught as a way of life. In Buddhism, there are numerous instances where the Buddha has extolled the virtues of tree planting. In fact, in Buddhism, we come across the extraordinary phenomenon of the order of Buddhist Monks who resorted to meditation while spending their entire life in the jungles away from the hustle and bustle and the trials and tribulations of lay life.

Sri Lanka is indeed fortunate that we have a wealth of plant species pro­ viding an array of mankind's requirements, whether it be food, timber, medicine, fuelwood, shade or organic matter for the soil. It is not necessary for me to elaborate at length on the value and virtues of tree planting to a well read and intelligent audience such as this. However in the light of the deforestation and destruction of plant life that has gone on unabated in the wake of development during the last 150 years or so, this aspect must be recounted here. In 1956, Sri Lanka had 44 percent of its land area under forest cover. In 1981, this had been reduced to a mere 24 percent. If the depletion of the forest cover continues at this rate and if the replanting programme does not overtake the rate of dep­ letion, then it is estimated that by the year 2,000 we will be left with only 10 percent forest cover.

MEDIA SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY THE WORLDVIEW INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (WIF) IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CENTRAL ENVIRON­ MENTAL AUTHORITY FOR THE PREPARATION OF A COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA ACTION PLAN UNDER THE 100 MILLION TREES PROGRAMME. 49 The history of the destruction of our natural vegetation goes back 150 years or more to the birth of the plantation industry under early British rule. Large extents of land, especially in the Wet Zone were opened up first under coffee, and thereafter, under tea, rubber and coconut. The legitimate owners of this land, the kandyan peasantry and the low-country Sinhala peasantry were relegated to the valley bottoms. In sheer desperation and due to lack of any other means to eke out an existence, they began destroying the vaulable stream and river reservations and the vulnerable watersheds and started cultivating paddy and other crops. Certain lands which are under plantation crops today especially lands with a slope of 60% or more and lands above 5,000 ft. in eleva­ tion and the stream and river reservations should never have been opened up. The great difference between day and night temperatures, the heavy rainfall sometimes as much as 200" per annum can cause severe destruction to a fragile eco-system such as OUT'S once the vegetative cover is removed. That is why the ancient kings of Sri Lanka left the entire hill country under forest cover and cultivated the lowlands—using for Irrigation—wated diverted from the catch­ ments of the hill country. We should also remember that the success of the Mahaweli project would rest to a large degree on to what extent we are going to re-establish forest cover in the upper catchment areas. The forests have the innate ability not only to prevent erosion by acting as a br» akrfm precipitation but also by storing water in its roots system and in the cavitiesTand springs and releasing such water in a regulated manner throughout the dry season. Forests also contribute to the regeneration of the soil through the addition of organic matter to the soil. Through the operation of the evapotranspiration precipita­ tion cycle, trees assist in adding moisture to the atmosphere and contributing to rain. Last but not the least, trees contribute in bringing about lower tempe­ ratures through its cooling effect and also act as wind breaks and barriers in mitigating the damage and destruction caused by cyclonic winds, etc.

As I said before, man is thoroughly dependent on trees to satisfy many of his wants. Timber for housing; household goods and furniture, etc., is one among them. In the developing countries in particular, fuelwood yet remains to be the major source of energy for domestic cooking and heating. In Sri Lanka, 94 per cent of the households depend on fuelwood for cooking. In fact, 60 percent of the gross energy needs of the country come from fuelwood. The scarcity of fuelwood is clearly shown in the six-fold increase in the price of firewood during the last 10 years.

The large scale opening up of land for plantation crops during the last cen­ tury and the massive clearing of forests for irrigation and colonization in this century have contributed to the dwindling forest cover. Chena cultivation has taken its toll for several centuries. It is one of the most wasteful forms of land use ever invented by man. With the growth of population and the growing demand for chena produce, the destruction caused by felling and burning con­ tinues at an alarming pace. Since of late, very fragile and steep slopes have been opened up for the cultivation of cash crops such as tobacco. The destruc­ tion goes on unabated.

It is to compensate even to some extent the destruction that is going on that the Hon. the Prime Minister has launched the 100 Million Trees Pro­ gramme. It is a programme of the people, for the people and by the people. The State will only assist and facilitate the growing of trees. It is here that communication and mass media will have to play a prominent role in the whole process. As we have to mobilise every citizen and obtain his fullest participation to achieve the objective it will be necessary to launch a massive public awareness campaign which would include the dissemination of information on the ill effects of deforestation and the economic, social, phy­ sical and national advantages of tree planting. Such a package should Include 50 the costs and benefits of tree planting and the comparative returns as against other forms of land utilization. As I said before, the 100 Million Trees Programme will embrace every village and every district. It will also cover temples, churches, mosques, etc., road reser­ vations, streams and river reservations, public and private office premises, public and private lands and estates, homesteads and compounds. The Steering Com­ mittee for the 100 Million Trees Programme is at the moment working out the strategy and the programme. The trees that are to be grown will be perennials and they could be fruit, timber, fodder, fuelwood, shade or flowering trees. The types and species that are appropriate to every area will be predetermined both in respect of agroclimatic zones and the needs of the area — e.g. it may be futile to promote the cultivation of fuelwood species in the coconut triangle for the coconut triangle provides a surplus in fuelwood as by-products of the coconut industry. The Plan of Action envisages the allocation of responsibility to various individuals and institutions as follows:

(a) Under the 1 Million Houses Programme, 10 trees in every homestead totalling 10 million. (b) In 1.6 million home gardens on the basis of 40 trees per home garden, 64 million trees. (c) In the plantation sector in marginal lands, stream and river reservations and steep slopes around 20 million trees. (d) The 5,000 Gramodaya Mandalayas will plant up the degrad­ ed state lands, the road and stream reservations and other publicly owned open spaces. On a modest estimate of 1,000 trees by each Gramodaya Mandalaya this will work out to 5 million. (e) Likewise all public and private sector institutions, business establishments, factories, etc., will be called upon to join in with their contribution to the programme. It is estimated that there will be at least 50,000 such premises to be planted and on the basis of 10 trees this will work out to another 5 million. These are only rough approximations. The details will be carefully worked out to avoid any overlapping. No tree planting programme will be successful unless the people have access to a ready supply of planting material. For this purpose, it is proposed to lay down nurseries in every village and in every town. Nurserymen will be chosen and trained. They will be given the seed money to start these nurseries- Plants will not be given free nor will they be subsidised. A uniform break-even price will be charged.

During your deliberations during the next two days, you will be preparing a communication action plan covering the period 1985 to 1988 with a view to creating an awareness among the general public and motivating them to par­ ticipate in the programme. You will be exploring the various tools and tech­ niques, the methods and systems that are applicable to reaching the different target groups and for achieving specific objectives. You are a group of experts drawn from the different agencies representative of all mass media, the press, radio, television, etc. I hope you will be able to bring out an action plan which is highly effective and cost efficient. I hope it will also have a component to voice the thinking and actions of the people who will be the participants of this tree planting programme. I do not want to be presumptuous by suggesting what the action plan should look like or what its main components ought to be. I leave it to your good sense and judgment to work out what is best.

I thank you. 51 I

i STRATEGIES FOR THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

It is important that environmental considerations are fully Incorporated into the planning process.

Every development project should be designed and executed in such a way that it would generate the capa­ city to improve the environment rather than desecrate or degenerate it.

In the harmonisation of Environment and Develop­ ment the two essential pre-requisites are the applica­ tion of Environmental Impact Assessment and Resource management Techniques. STRATEGIES FOR THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

I am extremely happy to be present here today and to address you on the subject of Strategies for the Protection and Management of the Environment in relation to the Role of District Environmental Agencies. This Is the first meeting of the Chairmen and Members of District Environmental Agencies since they were established in terms of the National Environmental Act. The District Environmental Agencies are the most vital arm of the newly estab­ lished institutional framework for environmental protection and management in Sri Lanka.

We are a small island nation with a total land area of some 16 million acres of land and a population of 15 million. Being primarily an agricultural country with tropical conditions and a high man-land ratio every inch of land, every drop of water and every grain of sand is very precious to us. These essential elements of the Environment are not only invaluable to Sri. Lankans but also to the whole of mankind.

Our planet Earth, as far as we know, provides the only environment in which our kind of life is possible. Without any effort on our part, we have inherited a wide range of resources which are necessary for our life. Air, water and soil, are foremost among the resources of the Earth's environment and are separately and jointly indispensable for our life on this planet.

The air, a mixture of • . gases in the immediate atmosphere of the planet plays a key role in the respiratory processes through which energy is released within our bodies to make our hearts beat, move our muscles, activate our organs and generally make life manifest. We die in minutes without air. Water is a unique substance for which there is no substitute. It surrounds the land masses of the planet as the seas and oceans, flows or remains stationary upon their surface as rivers and lakes, or Is held within them as ground-water. It provides a suitable medium for life processes in our bodies. And, without water, we die in days. Over millions of years, the land masses of the planet have produced soils which, in the presence of water and nutrients permit the growth of plants to cleanse the air and, also, give us food. We die in weeks without food.

Associated with the air, water and the land is an extensive and complex range of natural resources which have been put together in nature's own curiously clever way to give character, form and definition to our environment. It needed millions of years for these resources to evolve from simple begin­ nings. Their proper functioning to support and perpetuate our kind of life is governed by specific rules and laws of nature.

All Island Conference of District Environment Agencies BMICH — 10th March, 1985- 54 Sound environmental management which respects these rules and laws is crudial to the protection and the continued viability of our environment and its resources to assure long-term sustained development. Sound management should also be seen as fundamental to the satisfactory maintenance of the peculiar qualities and characteristics which alone make our earth, with its environment, special, among all the planets.

Therefore we must recognise that air, water, land and living things are resources which jointly constitute the unique environment which provides for all our needs. Our responsibility is to accept and use them without destroying them. Both at the global and national levels, therefore we need our laws and regulations and sound management procedures based on accurate information and experience, we also need effective institutions to assure rational use and management of the resources.

It is heartening to note that there is an increasing realisation throughout the world that environmental considerations are of equal or greater importance than the traditional economic and social paramerters in national planning. Environment is no longer thought of in the narrow sense of pollution control. Also today it is much more than a concern for health and sanitation. Deve­ loping countries in particular have resolved themselves to the position that environmental considerations rest heavily on resource management. This interest Is evidenced by the fact that in the planning of especially the larger projects environmental impact assessment statements and environmental cost benefit analyses are being increasingly used in the decision making process. It is not unusual today to read chapters on the environment appearing in national plans whether they be short-term or medium-term, In the same manner that chapters on manpower, nutrition, health and education began to appear in national plans over the last 2 or 3 decades.

We also notice another healthy feature vis-a-vis the environment which is of recent origin in many of our developing countries. This Is the establishment of central authorities in charge of the overall subject of the environment at the highest national level. Some countries have even gone further and established Ministries to be in sole charge of this subject. During the last five years Sri Lanka has also taken several meaningful steps to protect and manage our environment and to harmonise environment and development.

In Sri Lanka the Central Environmental Authority was established in August 1981 under the provisions of the National Environmental Act. No. 47 of 1980. This Authority now functions as the lead Agency for the co-ordination and formulation of environmental policies and strategies. It is also made res­ ponsible to initiate action for the Incorporation of environmental considera­ tions into development, planning and providing information on natural resources and environment.

In pursuance of the above, this Authority has established the Central Environmental Council and 25 District Environmental Agencies in all the Districts. Action Programmes have been designed with regard to the formula­ tion of a National Environmental Code, preparation of a National Conserva­ tion Strategy, preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports on all development projects, both in the State and Private Sectors.

One of the main concerns in CEA's strategies for the protection and mana­ gement of the environment in Sri Lanka is the incorporation of Environmental considerations into the planning process. The Government decided in 1983 on our recommendation to make environmental impact assessment mandatory 55 to all development projects — both State and Private Sector from 1984. The Government also decided that 1983 should be devoted to the training of expertise and the preparation of guidelines for environmental assessment.

CEA has already taken action, with the assistance of US AID to have a Workshop for the training of personnel from the project approving agencies in the subject area of environmental impact assessment. US AID selected a reputed environmental consultancy firm TAMS which undertook the Mahaweli environmental assessment to develop and conduct this training Workshop.

Action has been already taken to incorporate environmental aspects of development in all training programme of the Sri Lanka Institute of Develop­ ment Administration (SLIDA). Instructions have been given by Secretary, Ministry of Plan Implementation, on our request to incorporatejpnvironmental considerations in the planning and implementation of Integra^Rural Develop­ ment Projects.

The CEA has also instituted two pilot studies on environmental impact assessment — on Hikkaduwa tourist area and on the Fertilizer Mixing Complex at Wattala. Both these studies based on the UNEP Test model serve as pilot studies in future training and educational activities.

CEA has also initiated the preparation of status reports on (a) Soil erosion, (b) Use & prevalance of Agro-chemicals in Sri Lanka. These studies will be available shortly and will provide the basis for developing future action programmes in the subject areas concerned. Discharge of effluents into water­ ways, has become a major environmental problem in this country. CEA has initiated action with the Bureau of Standards to prepare standards for dis­ charge of effluents Into water. CEA has also initiated a study into the present status of legislation on water and their enforcement capacity. A Committee appointed by the Hon. Prime Minister, chaired by Dr. R. H. Wickremasinghe, Member CEA, will report on pollution caused by vehicle fumes, during the coming few months.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in collaboration with the UNEP and the World Wildlife Fund and with the assistance of the FAO and UNESCO has prepared a World Conservation Strategy. This World Strategy was presented to His Excellency the President by a representative of the ICUN. His Excellency, on the recommendation of the Hon. Prime Minister, has appointed a Task Force for the preparation of a National Conservation Strategy based on the guidelines provided by the world strategy.

The CEA, under its action programmes has included several activities on industrial pollution, haphazard growth of human settlements, etc. These include investigation and studies as well as laboratory testing where necessary. As far as possible, the regulations of the UDA on planning are used to obtain planned growth in these subject areas, with the least Impact on the environment.

We are working on the premise that any development project should have the capacity to improve "the environment rather than to desecrate or degene­ rate it. We should bring to focus the inalienable inter-relationship between poverty, development, environment and population. Over exploitation of non­ renewable resources must be stopped. A concerted effort should be made to find new and renewable sources of energy. Serious environmental problems must be identified and high priority accorded to solving them.

The National Environmental Act has provided for the establishment of- District Environmental Agencies with Government Agent who is the prtociptof'

56 state officer for the supervision and co-ordination of district activities, as the Chairman. The CEA has entrusted the following powers and functions to the District Environmental Agencies (DEAs):

(a) Collection of data and information on the Environment and Natural Resources at the District Level; (b) Monitoring the action programme of the CEA at the District Level as directed by the Authority; (c) Examining cases of environmental impact of various public and private sector activities in the District and submitting proposals for environmen­ tal protection and management;

(d) Advising the Authority promptly, of events of significant environmental interest taking place in the districts and specially those which may have significant adverse environmental impact on natural resources;

(f) Planning and implementation of an environmental awareness programme at the District Level with the approval of the Authority;

(g) Assisting the Authority in studies, surveys and research projects on the environment at the District Level.

Having considered the existing legislative framework and alternative solu­ tions, it has been proposed that the powers and functions of the CEA be strengthened by inclusion of following:

a. to be responsible for and co-ordinate all activities relating to the discharge of wastes into the environment, and for pre­ venting or controlling pollution and protecting and improving the quality of the environment;

b. to issue licences to control the volume, types, constituents and effects of waste, discharges, emissions, deposits or other sources of pollution and sub-sources which are of danger or potential danger to the quality of the environment or any segment of the environment;

c. to require the submission of all plans for major projects and proposals and for changes in or abandonment of existing projects for evaluation of the beneficial and adverse impact of such plans or projects or proposals on the environment;

d. to require any local authority to comply with - and to give effect to any recommendations relating to environmental protection within the local limits of the jurisdiction of such local authority and in particular any recommendations relat­ ing to all or any of the following aspects of environmental pollution :

i. the prohibition of the dumping of Utter waste, garbage and sewage;

ii. the prohibition of the fixing of posters or bills on walls or buildings;

57 ill. the prevention of the discharge of untreated sewage or substandard industrial effluents into canals or waterways; and iv. the control of the pollution of the atmosphere.

e. to require all agencies and instrumentalities of the Govern­ ment as well as private corporations, firms and entities to prepare, and file and include in every action project or under­ taking which significantly affects the quality of the environ­ ment a detailed statement on —

i. the environmental impact of the proposed action, project or undertaking; ii. any adverse environmental effect which cannot be avoid­ ed should the proposal be implemented; iii. alternative to the proposed action; iv. a determination that the short-term use of the environ­ ment are consistent with the maintenance and enhance­ ment of the long-term productivity of the same; and v. whenever a proposal involves the use of depletable or non-renewable resources, a finding must be made that such use and commitment are warranted.

It is hoped that these amendments to the law would enhance the ability of the CEA to effectively control and regulate the Conservation, Protection and proper Management of the Sri Lankan Environment.

These are some of the important amendments that will come in which will strengthen our hands; which will strengthen your hands and which will make the co-ordinating machinery and mechanism more efficient and effective. I think it is my duty also to outline the duties and responsibilities that we have assigned to the DEAA. The DEAA, as you know, are the principal arms of the CEA at the district level and at the field level. It is the co-ordinating body in the districts for all matters concerning the environment. The main role of the DEA should be to assist the CEA to reach its goal of protecting and managing the environment. That is what we would expect all the time of you.

In this process you will be collecting information and data on environment and natural resources at district level and you will advise the CEA promptly on environmental matters of interest at the district level. You will also monitor action programmes launched by the CEA, whenever requested to do so. Assisting the CEA in studies, surveys, research programmes undertaken and the programmes launched in the district, and providing feedback on CEA acti­ vities. Another significant role of the DEA is the co-ordinating function on Environmental matters at district level, while the CEA is functioning as the national level co-ordinating body on environmental matters DEA would similarly play a role at District Level-

DEAA could also undertake inquiries and examinations on environmental issues on matters referred to by various institutions and individuals. I am sure, every day you have probably, complaints, and you look into them of pollution or of degradation or of destruction that is going on, and I think you are quite alive to it. We hear very good reports on actions taken by you. Sometimes you don't refer them at all to the CEA. You deal with them; you go and do

58 field Inspections; you get technical officers to examine and deal with them. I must thank you for this because this is really the correct role you have to play and I am glad that you have been doing this.

Planning and implementation of environmental awareness programmes and action plans for the protection of district environment at the local level could also be considered as one of your significant tasks. DEA could also use­ fully participate by trying to settle disputes that arise vis-a-vis the environ­ ment in villages. With the local knowledge that you have you are in the best position to resolve many of those disputes, because you have a good source of information and you have the necessary wherewithal to get into action almost immediately whereas communication with Colombo, sending people and so on can be very costly to Government.

I think before I conclude I will have to briefly tell you some of the priority areas in which the CEA is taking action at the moment. CEA in its action plan, is giving very high priority to environmental awareness programmes and campaigns. As you may have noticed in the newspapers, on TV, over the radio, and so on, we are giving the highest priority to creating awareness because we feel that if there is an environmentally conscious population/ public, that at least 50% of our problems could be solved. Because he is not going to wantonly destroy unless it is a real want of his, unless it is a matter of life and death for him. If he is aware of what he is doing; the dangers of it then he is a reasonable man always, and this is our main thrust — creating this consciousness and this awareness.

Secondly, we also have plans to establish a National Environmental refe­ rence Centre (NERO. This is a Centre, where we hope to collect information and data on the environment. For instance, the Irrigation Department has collected for over 175 years very valuable data on river flows, sediments car­ ried, seasonal variations, etc All that will be lost after several years and so what we want to do is, through a process of microfilming or whatever collect this very valuable data and make it available and keep It for posterity under this Environmental Reference Centre Project.

We also want to prepare the necessary data base for environmental policies and strategies- A kind of a statistical compendium. The other project on which we are very keen and which has materialized today, is the strengthening of the capabilities of the DEAA. This is the only Phase I. We have a long way to go yet and we are very grateful indeed to NORAD, for assisting us to run this Seminar and the Workshop.

59 I

I

/ PESTICIDES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Not so long ago pest control methods were simple, less complex and almost non-toxic. They ranged from scare­ crows to discourage birds to hand removal of weeds.

Pesticides can be categorized either by the type of pest upon which they are designed to act or by their chemical make up.

Some 400 insect species and vectors have become re­ sistant to a wide range of one or more insecticidal com­ pounds. It is obvious that the release of a battery of toxic chemicals into the environment is not the most appropriate way of controlling pests and diseases.

Wg have to seriously consider alternative strategies such as better pest surveillance, discreet methods of application and the use of biological methods of pest control. PESTICIDES AND ENVIRONMENT

Since the beginning of history, mankind has had to compete with more than one million other species for the earth's resources for his survival. From time to time, he had to struggle with catastrophic episodes of famine, pesti­ lence and war and other vicissitudes of nature to make his way into modern civilization. Along the way, man learned to cultivate crops, raise livestock and build shelter and to cope with his surroundings. However, man's competitors adopted themselves quickly to the human habitat. Many insects, rodents and birds found his crops to their liking. His dwellings provided shelter not only for man, but also for a host of his competitors- As man continued to modify his surroundings, the competition became more intense and organized patterns of pest control came to be evolved.

At first these efforts were simple and less complex ranging from scarecrows to discourage birds to hand removal of weeds. There were various types of traps for vertebrate and invertebrate pests. This was gradually followed by the use of arsenic, known as a potent poison from ancient times. Copper and mer­ cury compounds were used for the control of certain plant diseases. DDT was recognized as an insecticide in 1939. The coincidence of its discovery and the outbreak of World War II meant that its first major use was in the war effort. In 1943, it eliminated an outbreak of typhus in Naples and saved the allied army.

The effectiveness of DDT in controlling a wide variety of insect pests ushered in a new way of thinking about insect control and evoked in the minds of some, the idea of eradication of major pests. Its contribution to Malaria con­ trol has been the greatest achievement of pesticides. In 1955, a global malaria eradication policy was adopted by the WHO. It has been estimated that by 1970, the campaign had prevented 2000 million cases of malaria and saved 15 million lives. But there have been problems and setbacks.

Pesticides can be categorised in two main ways, by the type of pest upon which they are designed to act or by their chemical make up. The former gives us insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and so on. The latter gives, for example, organochlorine pesticides such as DDT, Endrin, Dieldrin, Organophosphates such as Parathion, Malathion, Diazinone and Dimethoate, Carbamates such as Carbofuran, Aldicarb and Carbaryls and Pyrethroids. Pesticide use worldwide each year is roughly a pound weight for every person on earth. The world pesticide market is growing rapidly in both volume and value. The Third World uses about 15% of the pesticides including some 30% of the world's insec­ ticides. f = =i=—: SEMINAR ON PESTICIDES AND THE ENVIRONMENT — ORGANIZED BY THE SRI LANKA ASSOCIATION FOR ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE — 23 AUGUST, 1986. 62 Sri Lanka is essentially an agricultural country. The crops are subject to attack by insects, diseases, weed and other animal pests. It has been estimated that insect pests cause approximately 30% loss- Loss of potential yield in Sri Lanka. In order to reduce these losses the farmers have resorted to the use of insecticides. Prior to World War II chlorinated hydrocarbons were the common­ ly used insecticides. In Sri Lanka DDT was recommended as an effective pesticide in the control of malaria as well as for insect pests in agriculture as far back as 1946 and continued to be used until early 1980s.

Although pesticides have been used for many years, our concern for their environmental effects is of recent origin. Two main reasons could be given for this. Firstly, the number of pesticides used was rather limited. Secondly, the amount of pesticides used was not great. During the last few decades not only has the number of compounds Increased dramatically but also the spect­ rum for their use has become almost unlimited.

Most of the environmental problems associated with pesticides have centred around DDT and the related persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. As early as the 1950s, i.e. after 11 years of its recognition as a miracle pesticide — the persistence of DDT In the soil was recognized. There were views that it might be harmful to certain non-target species such as beneficial insects, fish, birds and even man. Because of these environmental concerns its use in North America and in a number of developed countries has been banned. However, it still plays a key role in WHO campaigns against insect-borne diseases and in agricultural production in the developing countries. The use of DDT in crop production has been decreasing due to increasing insect resistance.

In Sri Lanka, the use of DDT was banned in the early 1980s mainly due to the fact that DDT became ineffective in controlling malaria as the mosquito developed resistance to it. It has also been reported that some 400 insect species and vectors have become resistant to a wide range of one or more insec- ticidal compounds. This makes it obvious that the release of a battery of toxic chemicals into the environment is not the most efficient way of controlling pests and diseases.

Pesticides are not manufactured in Sri Lanka. They are either imported as formulated products or are formulated locally using imported ingredients. The recent import figures show that the use of Organochlorine insecticides and Pyrethrids are very low. The next bigger group is the Carbamates and the largest group is the organophosphates. It has been estimated that about 75% of all pesticides used in Sri Lanka are for insect control. In fact more than 90% of this goes into pest control in rice.

Presently, there are about 15 organisations importing pesticides into the country. The degree of pollution in the working environment in the formulating and packaging factories var^rfrom factory to factory based on the extent of health and safety facilities available in them

It has been reported that a majority of the workers manifest symptoms of pesticide poisoning, indicating the inadequacies of available facilities to safe­ guard workers' health. However, the pesticide formulating factories are required to provide for eye protection facilities, lighting, washing, ventilation, first-aid, sanitary facilities and fire fightng facilities that should conform to the regula­ tions framed under the Factories Ordinance. Also under Section 63 of the Facto- 63 ries Ordinance, poisoning is a notifiable industrial disease, although only a very few (0.5%) cases have been notified to the Chief Inspector of Factories up to date.

Of the number of cases admitted to Sri Lankan hospitals, many are the result of suicide attempts. The figures for accidental and occupational poisoning constituted about 30% of the total number of cases. In 1978, 15,504 people were admitted to Government Hospitals with pesticide poisoning and 1,029 of them died. These figures when compared with those of developed countries indicate that, from a population of only just over 15 million, two and a half times as many people are hospitalised from pesticide poisoning as in the US and nearly five times as many die.

From what I have said so far, it has become clear that a large number of pesticides affect non-target organisms and also cause a significant health problem among workers. Increasingly, there is concern that exposure to such pesticides may cause human cancer or teratogenic or mutagenic effects. Nume­ rous efforts are being made to curtail the use of all pesticides. Despite the promotion of the pesticide industry, many people including some of the farmers are beginning to realise the ill-effects of pesticide use. A number of alternative strategies are suggested including better pest surveillance, discreet methods of application and a better appreciation and use of biological methods of control. During 1970s, a large number of developed countries put out legislative controls for pesticide use. The results have been rigid varying from testing of pesti­ cides prior to their registration to restricting the use of pesticides to competent people.

In Sri Lanka, the Control of Pesticides Act No. 33 of 1980 covers the entire field of pesticide import, registration, formulation, preparations, storage, trans­ port, sale, advertisement and use. With the appointment of a Registrar of Pesti­ cides under this Act, all agrochemical imports are monitored by him. The law also requires that any pesticide intended for use in Sri Lanka should be regis­ tered with the Pesticide Formulary Committee by the producer or the distri­ butor. The acceptance of an application for registration depends, on a number of conditions such as data on potency, stability in storage, methods of use, toxicological data and methods of determining product residues in the environ­ ment to state a few. Any contravention of the provisions of the law, is a punishable offence leading to the cancellation of the registration.

The law also provides for the maintenance of the quality of the product to approved standards during the various phases of marketing and also for the safety of those registered pesticides to consumers.

Other than the legislative measures as mentioned earlier, it has become imperative that there should be a change in the approach to pf^jt control. The alternative is to maximise the use of safe, cheap and simple pest manage­ ment techniques including those traditionally used by the Third World farmers. Also these traditional methods should be integrated with the use of the safest possible chemical pesticides, where it is absoultely necessary. We should evolve a strategy which could deal with pest problems as a part of an integrated system, embracing the survival of the entire Ecosystem while ensuring the sustenance of people, crops, beneficial insects, fish, livestock pests and chemi­ cals. Such an ecological approach constitutes the best use of pesticides^ It is the most effective weapon against pests which devastate crops and the insects which spread disease

64 The Central Environmental Authority has given high priority to the study and the formulation of policies for safeguarding the Sri Lankan Environment from the indiscriminate importation and use of Pesticides. Among the steps taken are—

(a) The commissioning of a Status Report on the importation, formulation, transportation, storage and use of Pesticides, (b) An Inter-Agency Committee has been set up to draw up guidelines for the safe use, handling, storage and transport of toxic chemicals. Guidelines on these have already been prepared for Malathion,

(c) Guidelines have also been prepared for the control of advertisements on TV, Radio and Newspapers. It requires that considerations of safety be given paramount impor­ tance even if this appears to be at the expence of sales, (d) Discussions are also being held with the Sri Lanka Stan­ dards Institute to recommend criteria for pesticide contain­ ers. Empty pesticide containers are being used as containers for oil, honey and such other food items. There are instan­ ces where the use of such containers has caused serious health hazards to the consumers, (e) information on types, chemical characteristics, toxicity, etc., are being collected for all pesticides imported to Sri Lanka in order to compile a National Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals.

The Central Environmental Authority will be extremely happy to initiate and assist research projects aimed at eliminating toxic and harmful pesticides and finding alternative solutions by way of biological control of pests as well as promoting indigenous methods of pest control which have the least adverse environmental impacts.

65

RURAL LEADERSHIP FOR NATURE CONSERVATION

Rules and regulations, plans and projects arid the actions of officials who implement them have failed to stop the environmental degradation and destruction of unprecedented magnitude that has been going on unabated.

Rural leaders are best equipped to mobilize mass sup­ port for the cause of environmental conservation — for they can cut across political and social barriers; enjoy a higher level of acceptance and credibility in the village; and are a vast repository of environmentally

beneficial traditions of the past. :

Our programmes. for environmental protection and management will be successful only if the masses through their leaders bring their experience and know­ ledge to bear on the officials and the officials in turn join hands with the masses in implementing them. RURAL LEADERSHIP FOR NATURE CONSERVATION

There are two dimensions to the way we view rural life in Sri Lanka. On the one hand we can see rural Sri Lanka as areas deficient in modern ameni­ ties like roads, schools, hospitals, transport facilities, sources of entertainment, etc. On the other hand, we also see rural areas as places rich in natural resour­ ces — luscious vegetation, pure water, abundance of food, simple ways of life and richer in quality of life as well.

Neither of the two descriptions of rural life — as areas deprived of modern social amenities or as areas with an abundance of natural resources is entirely correct. Many villages today have at least some of the modem facilities like schools and roads and even factories. In fact, the setting in of this moderniza­ tion process may explain part of the problems we have, in our villages.

Nor are the villages so very rich in natural resources. Take the well-known example of forests. The denudation of forests has reached alarming poportions. Serious fuelwood shortages have occurred in some areas. Floods are common and even landslides have been reported. Water shortage and drying of wells is common during the dry season. The factories, if any, add to the problems by polluting the water. Some of the most advanced skills our villagers have inheri­ ted from the past, that of using irrigated water for agriculture, is there no more. Wastage of irrigated water, damage to irrigation structures like canals and waterways/^ficemmon. Agriculture has gradually become dependent on modern pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Indebtedness, unemployment, malnutrition are common problems in villages.

Delicacies for which village areas were famous for, like bee honey, is now difficult to find. This is mostly attributed to the wide use of pesticides. Even good "Kitul Peni and Hakuru" are rare. Making toddy instead of "Pani" is supposed to be more profitable. It looks trivial, but to me, it has a symbolic significance — Toddy taking the place of pani in village life. Cultivation in the village now is confined to a few improved varieties of paddy — The rich variety of our diet comprising Suwandal, Heenati Hal, Kurakkan, Meneri, etc., are no more.

In earlier times, through centuries of experience, hhe village people had evolved a form of life in harmony with nature. But modern developments affec­ ted both the economic base and the social institution of the village thus bring­ ing about the dismal situation I have just described.

It should how be Our endeavour to weave the strands of thought left behind by the benevolent and integrated social system that prevailed in the past, into : •' : ' " a — * WORKSHOP ON CONSERVATION EDUCATION ORGANISED BY RUK RAKAGANNO ON THE ROLE OF RURAL LEADERS IN NATURE CONSER­ VATION, 12TH SEPTEMBER, 1986. 68 a coherent policy for environmental conservation, taking into consideration at the same time that some of the modern developments, if not all, have to be accommodated in the policy we formulate. It is not a plea for going back to the past but a plea for drawing inspiration from the past in formulating a policy for the future.

What is the role of the rural leader in this task? How best could they serve the objective of building a sustainable social order?

I believe that rural leaders can make a significant contribution for the cause of environmental conservation for several reasons. Leader's by definition, are those that can mobilize the support of the people whom they lead for the vowed cause for which they have formed themselves into groups.

Rural leaders can mobilize mass support for the cause of environmental conservation. Rules and regulations, and the officials who Implement the rules, have failed to stop some of the most vital causes of environmental degradation, even though their contribution cannot be disregarded as useless. Take the example of deforestation. Some forests have been denuded in spite of stringent regulations for the protection of those forests and the empolyment of a battery of officials. Only the mass of people with proper organization and leadership could arrest it.

Rural leaders working for conservation can cut across the political and social barriers and get the people to rally round the cry for conservation, because conservation has no political or social barriers.

Rural leaders are more familiar with the difficulties and needs of the village background when compared to government officials. They can therefore for­ mulate their programmes to suit the needs of their background and therefore their programmes can be more successful. The government official, who often happens to be an outsider, probably on a punishment transfer, villages being difficult areas to serve, have less knowledge and understanding about the back­ ground they serve.

The rural leaders are also at an advantage when compared to government officials because they have a higher level of credibility in the village. The intentions of government officials are suspected, sometimes o.uite legitimately, at the village level. The fact that the officials are working for salaries in itself can be disadvantageous, when compared to rural leaders who are working for a cause through dedication.

We should also consider the rural leaders as the repository of the traditions of the environmentally beneficial traditions of the past. We should learn from him and evolve our policies with his assistance. However laudable our objec­ tives may be, we should not at any stage think that they are mere instruments through which our policies are implemented. I believe that many government policies have crashed In trying to approach the village leader from this per­ spective. If at all, we should be their instruments and not vise versa. We should therefore be cautious when we use terms like "Training of Rural Lea­ ders" and "Education of Rural Leaders". The need for the dissemination of modern scientific knowledge among rural leaders is there. But this should be more in the form of exchange of ideas and knowledge and less in the form of so called "Training Classes". 69 We should of course be cautious, about identification of rural leaders. One of my friends, a sociologist, who was working at Devahuwa, a remote rural village in the dry zone, found that there are two kinds of rural leaders — one he called the surface leaders and the other latent leaders. The surface leaders are readily identifiable. They hold many responsible positions in institutions like village co-operatives, temples and political associations. But there are situations in which the majority of the people do not like them and the people do not come out in protest through fear! They respect the latent leaders, but the latent leaders were found to be not very fond of holding positions in societies and such other institutions. It required a good deal of persuatlon to get them to hold such positions but once made to do so, they worked with remarkable success at Devahuwa. We should also note that leaders can emerge for different fields of work and those who work for one field of activity like the co-operative societies may not be the best for another like conservation.

Let us not forget that more than 80% of our country is rural and relying on rural leaders means that we approach the majority of our people through men and women who have found acceptance among the majority of our people through their dedication for ideals and strength of character. The official channels do not have the capacity to reach and move the masses. Mass media reach them, but it has been proved that this possibility is only technical and theoretical. Only a fraction of the people hear or see the media with the attention desired. i To move in to a state of complacense thinking that environmental issues will not be important until such time that we reach a stage of advanced industrialization like the western countries is a fallacy. Development in our part of the world will take a form in conformity with our geographical and historical background. We can learn a great deal from the west or the east, but no external model will fit into our situation.

The environmental degradation that has been witnessed so far indicates that we should be quick in developing and adopting solutions to our problems. In doing so the masses through their leaders should bring their experience and knowledge to bear on us and we should join hands with them In implemen­ ting the programmes formulated. Only then will our programmes be meaningful and effective.

70 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Environmental education is essentially a practical pro­ cess for equipping man with the knowledge, skills, and

commitment to improve his environment.

Resource utilization is the most important base of en­ vironmental concern! Environmental education should

lead to a study of the resource base.

Environment is multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral in character. The Environmental pers­ pective, '.demands that we integrate all these parameters

into one composite science devoted to the study of

Resources and Resource Management. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Environmental education is essentially a practical process for equipping man with the knowledge, skills and commitment to improve his environment. There is an urgency and a necessity to introduce environmental education universally and at all levels. There is also a need to introduce improvements in the depth and extent of environmental education. Environmental awareness and consciousness can only be brought about through a better appreciation of the principles of conservation based on a sound knowledge of Environmental Studies- Environment is intricately interwoven with human survival. We cannot ignore the fact that the ways of life fostered by modern civilization may sooner rather than later prove incompatible with human survival. There is a sad lack professionalism and general incompetence at all levels of decision making.

At the Primary Stage, environmental education is seen as involving pupils in personal experiences of the environment by direct exploration. By about the age of 10, the child should have a vocabulary of scientific terms, some simple skills in measurement, classification and comparison and some idea of how to approach a problem. They should also have an appreciation of the inter- relatedness of ecology. In the Secondary School, deeper studies should develop first in an integrated manner and later on separating out into different sub­ jects. Thus there will be an environmental element in history, geography, science, etc. In the Upper School for instance, Biology Courses can have an increasing content of ecology. Chemistry Courses can include studies on che­ mical pollution and Mathematics Courses on quantitative analysis of environ­ mental parameteres.

The ultimate aims of environmental education should take account the actual economic, social, cultural and ecological circumstances of each society and each region, while paying particular attention to their development objec­ tives. However, it is possible to define certain ultimate educational aims of a general nature on the basis of the development characteristics of the region or country under consideration.

Environment is multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary, and multi-sectoral in character. In the development of teaching strategies for Environmental Educa­ tion, we can distinguish four target groups for tertiary environmental educa­ tion. They are the Technical Group; Subject Specialist Group; Management

ANNUAL SESSIONS OF THE SRI LANKA ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION 27th September, 1986. Group and the Lay Group. Each target group should be equipped with different skills and abilities.

A good grounding in the measurement of environmental parameters is a must for the Technical Group. The Subject Specialist Group needs to know about environmental systems with special emphasis on biophysical, socio- cultural, legal systems, etc. The Management Group should acquire the skills and abilities to resolve complex environmental issues and problems by the application of environmental cost benefit — analysis, environmental impact assessment and such other methodologies and techniques. In the meantime, the Lay Group which comprises the overwhelming majority of the population needs to have attitudes, philosophies and values about environmental protection and management.

We should also bear in mind the present state of our environmental prob­ lems and the likely developments envisaged in determining a suitable policy for environmental education. "Resource" utilization is the most important base of environmental concern. Environmental education should lead to a study of the resource base. For the study of our resource base, the traditional subject dis- ciplies could be deployed but in our approach to this study, the environmental perspective is important. The subject of "Resources" can be studied from the angle of each discipline, but the environmental perspective demands that we integrate the disciplines, in our study. The key word is "Integration."

Life sciences, geography and earth sciences are necessary to explain our resource base. Mathematics comes in where the qualification of our qualitative observations have to be done. To build up our capabilities for prediction; models have to be developed and without mathematics, this would be an impossible task. Social science will explain to us how the society will react and benefit from the resources. This does not mean that social science need be taken up separately from other sciences. It is only a combination of all five, namely, life sciences, geography, earth sciences, quantitative methods and social sciences that can help us. It should be our endeavour to bring about a suitable integration of disciplines in order that we may understand our pre­ sent environmental problems and evolve solutions.

This is, however, easier said, than done. A system of education that has been stabilized over decades or even centuries hardly yields to new demands. Building up an integrated curriculum, demands high level of skills and deep understanding of the subject of environment. I believe that your society is equal to this task. You have the talents and the concern required for this. Some of you have already devoted your efforts to the solution of some problems in hand. An extension of this interest and concern should not prove to be difficult. This unique honour you have conferred on me by inviting me to talk to you today is undoubtedly a healthy indication that you are favourably inclined towards this important task.

A solution to the problem of developing a proper system of environmental education is a task which cannot be postponed. I would like to quote from the historic document, now well-known as the Belgrade Charter, adopted at the close of an International Environmental Education Workshop at Belgrade in 1975:

"The reform of educational processes and systems is central to the building of a new development ethic and world economic order. Govern­ ments and policy-makers can order changes, and new development 73 approaches can begin to improve the world's condition — but all of these are no more than short-term solutions, unless the youth of the world re­ ceives a new kind of education. This will require new and productive relationships between students and teachers, between schools and com­ munities, and between the education system and society at large."

I wish to urge that you build up closer links with our officials and those working in related fields in the Universities and other governmental and non­ governmental institutions like the Curriculum Development Centre, Agrarian Research and Training Institute and Marga and work towards the goal of build­ ing a system of integrated environmental education.

It should be noted that there is a good deal of debate and discussion on the proper nature of integration of disciplines for environmental education. In this regard, I would like to quote from The Environmentalist, VOL. VI, No. 1 (1986):

"Part of the problem also is that environmental education is seen as comprising of bits from all disciplines, rather than being a new discipline in itself. The result is that environmental education has become some­ thing of a grab bag of all sorts of things a depository for the "too hard" basket, a catchy label to fasten to old ideas, a handy label to affix to new ones."

You should enter these debates and discussions and focus international attention on the problems facing our part of the world. It is better that we enter the debate now, rather than indulge in the usual pastime of criticising the models developed in other parts of the world which, in any case, do not bear relevance to our conditions. '

I thank you once again for granting me this opportunity of addressing you today. I wish to conclude with a quotation from Victor Hugo:

"There is no force greater than that of an idea whose time has come."

74 AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS OF SRI LANKA

Although Sri Lanka's civilization dates back to more than 2,500 years, the coastal and marine ecocystems of Sri Lanka had been free of intense human interaction for a long period of time. In the pre-colonial era, fishing was almost unknown to the predominately Buddhist people of this island. The early centres of civilization were also situated inland. These factors kept the coastal environment comparatively free of human, activity, which enabled it to become a right biological resource, as well.

With the advent of the western colonisation in the 16th century and the development of the canal and road networks as well as harbours and coastal towns, the coastal zone became an area of economic and employment oppor­ tunities. This led to the migrant of people to these coastal areas. At present, a large percentage of the population in Sri Lanka live and work in the coastal areas thereby increasing the demand on coastal resources.

The nations marine and coastal ecosystems are vital natural resources of critical importance. The coastal aquatic ecosystem constitutes an important compotent of the totality of the marine and coastal ecosystems. They are extremely fragile, inter-dependent and highly vulnerable. The marine and coastal environment in Sri Lanka includes a number of estuaries, lagoons and bays giving rise to a diversity of marine ecosystems, such as coral and sandstone reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, pearl oyster, edible oyster and mussel beds. These areas are of great natural beauty and utility, providing habitats for fish. They also provide recreational, scientific and aesthetic resources of national interest.

A large number of factors influence our coastal environment In addition to a number of natural processes such as monsoonal winds, currents and littoral drift, a variety of man made activities related to commerce, industry, tour­ ism and transportation have begun to exert pressure on the marine coastal ecosystems.

Nearly one-third of Sri Lanka's coastline of 1600 km. is subjected to varying degrees of coastal erosion. It has reached alarming proportions in the south­ west and west coasts. Amongst numerous processes and factors that contribute to coastal erosion, lack of sand supply due to upland development, sand and

WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY THE NATIONAL AQUATIC RESOURCES AGENCY (NARA) ON THE RESEARCH NEEDS FOR AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS OF SRI LANKA — SLFI — 6th November, 1986. 75 coral mining, construction of regulatory structures along rivers and the coast has contributed largely to the depletion of beaches which are the best form of defense against wave action of the sea. Sand has been regarded as a free and an abundant resource and its removal has not received much public comment as for coral mining. However, it has now been estimated that mining of beach and river sand has reached critical proportions.

The environmental consequences of such unrestricted mining could be disastrous. Regulations have been framed under the Coast Conservation Act No. 57 of 1981 to control sand mining. Even as far back as 1929, the removal of sand other than by permit and removal of corals have been prevented by legislation under the Crown Lands Ordinance. In 1940, the Ambalangoda-Hik- kaduwa Rocky Islets have been declared as a sanctuary under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. In spite of all this unauthorized removal of sand as well as the mining activities are still going on in several coastal areas.

Coral reefs which are important breeding and spawning grounds for various species of coastal organisms are visually beautiful ecosystems found in abundance around Sri Lankan waters. They also function as buffers against ravages of the sea. Thus, the destruction of coral reefs will have deleterious effects both on the coastal zone and the coastal fish production.

The coral reefs have been exploited from early times to meet the needs of small coastal communities. However, the increased demand for coral resour­ ces by traditional users and to a much greater extent by non-traditional users in recent times, hai4> generated additional stress resulting in the degradation and total destruction of many of our coral reefs. In addition, the use of non­ selective Ashing methods such as explosives have severely damaged several coral reefs.

The other coastal ecosystems of significant importance are the mangroves and coastal wetlands. They serve as habitats for a large number of commer­ cially important species, as food producers, run-off retainers, salt traps, water purifiers and as coastal stabilizers. Mangroves are among the few woody plants which can tolerate the undiluted salinity of the open sea. Their prop roots are areas of attachment for a large number of estuarlne, and marine orga­ nisms which feed on the rich nutrient material available in the mongrove swamps.

Scientific research on mangrove ecosystems is now being carried out at the Universities and other Research Organisations under the programmes of the UNESCO National Mangrove Committee, it is very appropriate to mention here that a regional symposium on new perspectives in research and management of mangroves will be held from November 11-14 in Sri Lanka. It is also proposed to issue a mangrove stamp on this occasion, as a symbol of our interest in the .conservation of a valuable and a unique ecosystem. However, the value of tlys> ecosystem is not well recognised and generally consi­ dered as waste lands. Hence, in the recent past large extents of coastal wetlands and mangrove swamps have been destroyed to provide for human settlements, industry, tourism and other development activities. It is hoped that with the mandatory application of environmental impact assessment to all development projects since January 1984, due consideration will be given by the relevant authorities to assess projects for environmental considerations prior to their implementation. 76 The discharge of industrial effluents into our coastal waters is not yet considered to have assumed critical proportions. Yet some of the examples of widespread environmental damage due to industrial discharges are the Pothuweli Channel, into which wastes from the Valaichchenai Paper Mill are discharged. The Bolgoda Lake and Lunawa Lagoon system receive discharges from a variety of industries such as factory units producing leather goods, chemicals, paints, confectionary, saw mills and textile mills located in the Moratuwa-Ratmalana area. The Central Environmental Authority, has already initiated base-line studies on these to ascertain the sources and extent of pollution in order to recommend suitable mitigatory measures.

The unplanned tourist development at Hikkaduwa is a good example which has posed a number of serious environmental problems including a major health hazard due to the discharge of untreated sewage and waste water on to the beaches. A study was commissioned by the CEA to assess the environ­ mental impacts of tourist development in Hikkaduwa area. The recommen­ dations for the improvement of the environment, are now under consideration by an Inter-Ministerial Committee. Interim Standards for effluents discharged into marine coastal waters have been laid down by the Central Environmental Authority.

The other industrial and agricultural activities in land too contribute to the accumulation of industrial wastes and sediments in the coastal waters through the network of rivers. The effect of these pollu­ tants on living marine resources have not been studied quantitatively, consti­ tuting another gap in research. Research on the impact of pollution on living aquatic resources is of recent origin. This work is co-ordinated by NARA assisted by a handful of scientific organizations. Therefore, very little infor­ mation on this subject is presently available. However, the increased pre­ valence of pollution and other environmental problems in the coastal areas has generated an awareness for better controls and more efficient resource management. The main goal of coastal management is to maintain the coastal ecosystems in their best condition or in a condition as near to the natural conditions as possible. This must also embrace whole ecosystems. Any attempt to manage them separately would prove to be futile as they constitute inter­ dependent components of a complex ecosystem.

The recognition of the complexity in the coastal zone problems and their solutions, has led to the formulation of an integrated approach towards the protection and management of the marine environment of Sri Lanka. Thus the Government of Sri Lanka in close collaboration with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) with the Central Environmental Authority as the focal point initiated a pilot study to prepare a Coastal Zone Management Plan for the West Coast of Sri Lanka. An Inter- Agency Committee was formed to co-ordinate and supervise the project activities and subsequently in January 1982 at a joint meeting of the repre­ sentatives of the ESCAP and the Inter-Agency Committee, the technical and organisational feasibility of the project were assessed, project area outlined and subject areas for the study were identified. This study was successfully completed in 1984 and the final report with its recommendations were pre­ sented to the Government of Sri Lanka. This would undoubtedly provide much needed complementary support to the Coastal Zone Management Plan by the Coast Conservation Act No. 57 of 1981. Already much work has been done in this direction. 77 Another important development that took place in the field of aquatic resource management is the decision of XJNEP to establish a Programme for the Protection and Management of the South Asian Regional Seas. We have made considerable progress in a short period of two years and it is hoped that the instruments of acceptance will be signed shortly by the Countries of the South Asian Region.

It is hoped that the implementation of these projects and programmes would lead to the enhancement of the much degraded marine and coastal environment and ensure environmentally sound development activities in the future.

78