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STATUS REPORT

ON

CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICALDIVERSITY

IN

SRI LANKA

SECOND NATIONAL REPORT

2000

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Contents

Introductory tables .........................................................3

Article 5 Cooperation .......................................................9Article 6 General measures for conservation and sustainable use ............12Article 7 Identification and monitoring ....................................15Decisions on Taxonomy ......................................................20Article 8 In situ conservation [excluding Articles 8h and 8j] ..............24Article 8h Alien species ...................................................29Article 8j Traditional knowledge and related provisions ....................33Article 9 Ex situ conservation .............................................37Article 10 Sustainable use of components of biological diversity ...........40Article 11 Incentive measures ..............................................44Article 12 Research and training ...........................................48Article 13 Public education and awareness ..................................50Article 14 Impact assessment and minimizing adverse impacts ................53Article 15 Access to genetic resources .....................................58Article 16 Access to and transfer of technology ............................63Article 17 Exchange of information .........................................66Article 18 Technical and scientific cooperation ............................67Article 19 Handling of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits ......70Article 20 Financial resources .............................................72Article 21 Financial mechanism .............................................75Article 23 Conference of the Parties .......................................76Article 24 Secretariat .....................................................77Article 25 SBSTTA ..........................................................77Article 26 Reports .........................................................78

Ecosystem approach .........................................................80Inland water ecosystems ....................................................81Marine and coastal biological diversity ....................................83Agricultural biological diversity ..........................................85Forest biological diversity ................................................90Biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands ............................92Operations of the Convention ...............................................93

Concluding tables ..........................................................94

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Please provide the following details on the origin of this report

Contracting Party SRI LANKA

National Focal Point

Full name of the institution: Ministry of Forestry and Environment

Name and title of contactofficer:

Mr. N. Pathmanathan, Secretary to theMinistry

Mailing address: Ministry of Forestry and Environment,

82, Sampathpaya, Rajamalwatta RoadBattaramullaSri Lanka

Telephone: + 94 1 877290

Fax: + 94 1 866658

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact officer for national report (if different)

Full name of the institution: Biodiversity Secretariat

Ministry of Forestry and Environment

Name and title of contactofficer:

Mr. Gamini Gamage, Director, Biodiversityand Natural Resources Division

Mailing address: Director/Biodiversity

Ministry of Forestry and Environment,

82, Sampathpaya, Rajamalwatta RoadBattaramullaSri Lanka

Telephone: + 94 1 887454

Fax: + 94 1 887455

E-mail: [email protected]

Submission

Signature of officer responsiblefor submitting national report:

Date of submission: 14 May 2001

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Please provide summary information on the process by which this reporthas been prepared, including information on the types of stakeholderswho have been actively involved in its preparation and on material,

which was used as a basis for the report

The report was prepared through information collected from literature surveyand consultative meetings with various stakeholders in the government andnon-governmental sectors. These, interalia, included: experts, academicians,administrators, NGOs.

Dr. DKNG Pushpakumara, Senior Lecturer, Department of Crop Science, Facultyof Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka [email protected] servedas the Team Leader of the Expert Group for the preparation of this reportwhilst Dr. B Marambe, Senior Lecturer, Department of Crop Science, Faculty ofAgriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and D Weerakoon SeniorLecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka were othermembers in the expert group.

The report was reviewed by Director, Biodiversity and submitted to thesecretariat.

Materials used:

1. Anon (1996) An Investment Proposal for the Conservation and SustainableUse of Medicinal Plants in Sri Lanka. IUCN, Sri Lanka Country Office.

2. CEA (1988) Sri Lanka National Conservation Strategy. CentralEnvironmental Authority, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka.

3. DCS (1998) Statistical Pocket Book of the Domestic Socialist Republic ofSri Lanka 1998. Department of Census and Statistics, Ministry of Financeand Planning.

4. Discussion with officers in the Ministry of Forestry and Environment(especially the Biodiversity Division).

5. Glowka L, Burhenne-Guilmin F and Synge H (1994) A Guide to the Conventionon Biological Diversity. IUCN Gland and Cambridge.

6. IUCN (1999) The 1999 List of Threatened Fauna and Flora of Sri Lanka.IUCN, Sri Lanka.

7. Ministry of Forestry and Environment (1999) Biodiversity Conservation inSri Lanka: A Framework for Action. Ministry of Forestry and Environment,Sri Lanka.

8. Nanayakkara A (2000) Legal Framework to Safeguard Traditional KnowledgeRelating to the Use of Medicinal Plants. Consultant's Report IUCN, SriLanka.

9. Nanayakkara A (2000) Recommendations for the Regulation of Access toGenetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits.Consultant's Report. IUCN, Sri Lanka.

10.NARESA (1991) Natural Resources of Sri Lanka: Conditions and Trends.Natural Resources, Energy and Science Authority, Sri Lanka.

11.Personal communications and discussions with experts and scientists, NGOs,officers in government departments etc.

12.SLCCD (1990) Coastal Zone Management Plan. Sri Lanka Coast ConservationDepartment.

13.Sri Lanka Forestry Sector Master Plan (1995) Sri Lanka Forestry SectorMaster Plan, Forestry Planning Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands andForestry, Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.

14.Wijesinghe LCAdeS, Gunatilleke IAUN, Jayawardena SDG, Kotagama SW andGunatilleke CVS (1993) Biological conservation in Sri Lanka: A NationalStatus Report. IUCN, Sri Lanka.

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An interactive workshop to discuss further potential and constraints to eacharticle of the CBD with a much wider stakeholders will be held on 12th June2001. The outcome of the workshop will be communicated to the Secretariat asa means of sharing experience.

Please provide information on any particular circumstances in yourcountry that are relevant to understanding the answers to the questions

in this report

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The COP has established programmes of work that respond to a number ofArticles. Please identify the relative priority accorded to each theme

and the adequacy of resources. This will allow subsequent information onimplementation of each Article to be put into context. There are otherquestions on implementation of the programmes of work at the end of

these guidelines.

Inland water ecosystems

1. What is the relative priority for implementation of this work programme in yourcountry?

a) High X

b) Medium

c) Low

d) Not relevant

2. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations andrecommendations made?

a) Good

b) Adequate

c) Limiting X

d) Severely limiting

Marine and coastal biological diversity


a) High X

b) Medium

c) Low

d) Not relevant


a) Good

b) Adequate

c) Limiting X


Agricultural biological diversity


a) High X

b) Medium

c) Low

d) Not relevant


a) Good

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b) Adequate

c) Limiting X


Forest biological diversity


a) High X

b) Medium

c) Low

d) Not relevant


a) Good

b) Adequate

c) Limiting X


Biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands


a) High

b) Medium

c) Low X

d) Not relevant


a) Good

b) Adequate

c) Limiting

d) Severely limiting X

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Further comments on work programmes and priorities

Sri Lanka has many policies and action plans, national laws and institutionsto conserve its biological diversity. However, biodiversity at allecosystems are depleting at considerable rate. Policies and action plansrelated to biodiversity conservation in Sri Lanka are: (i) The NationalConservation Strategy-1988, (ii) National Conservation Review, (iii)Environmental Action Plan, (iv) National Environmental Action Plan-1990 and1990-2001, (v) National Forest Policy, (vi) Forestry Sector Master Plan,(vii) Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka: A Framework for Action-1999,(viii) Wetland Conservation Plan, (ix) Coast Conservation Master Plan, (x)National Wildlife Conservation Policy-2000, (xi) Pollution AbatementStrategy, (xii) Clean Air 2000 Action Plan, (xiii) Climate Change ActionPlan, and (xiv) National Biosafety Guidelines.

National laws and regulations relevant to biodiversity conservation are (i)Land Development Act, (ii) Crown Land Ordinance, (iii) Fauna and FloraProtection Ordinance, (iv) National Wilderness Heritage Act, (v) NationalEnvironmental Act, (vi) National Aquatic Resources Research and DevelopmentAgency Act, (vii) Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, (viii) PlantProtection Act, (ix) Animal Diseases Act, (x) Coast Conservation Act, (xi)Forest Ordinance, (xii) Botanic Garden Ordinance, (xiii) National ZoologicalGardens Act, (xiv) Ayurvedic Act 31 and (xv) Soil Conservation Act.

Institutions responsible for conservation and utilization of biodiversity areForest Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Coast ConservationDepartment, Departments of Agriculture, Ayurveda, Fisheries and AquaticResources and Tourism, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Botanic andZoological Gardens.

Relative priority for implementation of work programs on inland waterecosystems, marine and coastal biological diversity, agricultural biologicaldiversity and forest biological diversity are very high in Sri Lanka sincebiodiversity, endemism of its floral and faunal components, criticalhabitats, threat to each ecosystem are very high under Sri Lankan conditions.Sixteen, twenty-eight, six and twenty-four recommended actions for inlandwater, marine and coastal, agricultural and forest biological diversityrespectively have been identified by Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan inSri Lanka (1999). Sri Lanka is one of the biodiversity hotspots in theworld.

The national resources for meeting the obligations and recommendations in anyof the above ecosystem groups are rather limited than adequate. Lack ofinformation on scientific management, lack of financial resources, lack oftrained manpower, lack of equipments, gaps, conflicting and contradictoryappearance in policy, gaps in existing laws and poor implementation of lawsand policies, lack of institutional cooperation and chemicals for scientificresearch seriously constraining the meeting obligations. This is because ofboth the economical difficulties suffered by the country and to the nature ofbiodiversity protection investments.

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Article 5 Cooperation

11. What is the relative priority afforded to implementation of this Article and theassociated decisions by your country?

a) High X b) Medium c) Low


a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting X d) Severely limiting

Further comments on relative priority and on availability of resources

Implementation of this article has received high priority since the the aims ofbiodiversity protection and sustainable use of biological resources in Sri Lankacannot be successfully achieved without international cooperation and partnership.This is due to that the biological diversity is accepted as a global phenomenon. Theinternational cooperation is a high priority task for Sri Lanka and the “SingharajaMan and Biosphere Programme” is an example of a successful case in which internationalcooperation/collaboration significantly contributed to achieve the aims ofbiodiversity conservation. However, the limited availability of resources in thecountry and low capacity to follow administrative formalities have hindered successfulimplementation of this article.

13. Is your country actively cooperating with other Parties in respect of areas beyondnational jurisdiction for the conservation and sustainable use of biologicaldiversity?

a) bilateral cooperation (please give details below) X

b) international programmes (please give details below) X

c) international agreements (please give details below) X

Decision IV/4. Status and trends of the biological diversity of inlandwater ecosystems and options for conservation and sustainable use

14. Has your country developed effective cooperation for the sustainable management oftransboundary watersheds, catchments, river basins and migratory species throughbilateral and multilateral agreements?

a) no

b) yes - limited extent (please give details below)

c) yes - significant extent (please give details below)

d) not applicable X (see text)

Decision IV/15. The relationship of the CBD with the CSD andbiodiversity-related conventions, other international agreements,

institutions and processes or relevance

15. Has your country developed management practices for transboundary protected areas?

a) no

b) yes - limited extent (please give details below)

c) yes - significant extent (please give details below)

d) not relevant X

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Decision V/21. Co-operation with other bodies

16. Has your country collaborated with the International Biodiversity Observation Yearof DIVERSITAS, and ensured complementarity with the initiative foreseen to beundertaken by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization andthe Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity to increase scientificknowledge and public awareness of the crucial role of biodiversity for sustainabledevelopment?

a) no

b) to a limited extent X

c) to a significant extent

Decision V/27. Contribution of the Convention on Biological Diversityto the ten-year review of progress achieved since the United Nations

Conference on Environment and Development

17. Is your country planning to highlight and emphasize biological diversityconsiderations in its contribution to the ten-year review of progress since the EarthSummit?

a) no

b) yes X (Rio+10)

Further comments on implementation of this Article

Sri Lanka has developed bilateral partnerships with some countries such asUSA (Crop Genetic Resources), Japan and others. Establishment of PlantGenetic Resources Centre (PGRC) was a good example for the Sri Lanka–Japancooperation for conservation and utilization of crop genetic resources in SriLanka.

International cooperation between Sri Lanka and other countries has beendeveloped based on signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In these cases,most of the resources needed for the execution of many projects usually comefrom the foreign counterparts. The International Geosphere/BiosphereProgramme for estuary and nutrient recycling modelling, Conservation andSustainable use of Medicinal Plants project (GEF Large Scale Project, ADB),ADB Forestry Resources Management project, Wildlife and Protected AreaManagement project (ADB), GEF Project on Coastal Zone Management, GEFMultilateral Project of Crop Wild Relatives, GEF small grant programmes,Project on Molluscs by Darwin Institute and Natural History Museum-UK andNational Museum of Sri Lanka, Environment Action 1 Project for CapacityBuilding and Upper watershed Management project, are some of the examples forinternational cooperation/collaboration in Sri Lanka for biodiversityconservation and utilization.

Sri Lanka is a signatory to the following international conventions directlyor indirectly relating to biodiversity conservation; Convention on BiologicalDiversity, 1994 (CBD), Convention on International Trade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and flora, 1979 (CITES), Wetlands of InternationalImportance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, 1990 (Ramsar), Protection of theWorld Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1980, International Plant ProtectionConvention, Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals 1990 (Bonnconvention), Climate change (1992) and Biosafety Protocols. Sri Lanka is also

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associated with the activities of UNESCO.

Although transboundary watersheds, catchments, and river basins are notapplicable since Sri Lanka is an Island. The Bundala Sanctuary in thesouthern province of the country is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland site inthe world according to Bonn Convention.

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Article 6 General measures for conservation and sustainable use






Relative priority for implementation of this article 6 is very high in Sri Lanka.However, lack of information on scientific management of natural ecosystems, and lackof monitoring indicators, lack of coordination among institutes, trained manpower andfinancial and administrative resources are seriously limiting the implementationprocess.

20. What is the status of your national biodiversity strategy (6a)?

a) none

b) early stages of development

c) advanced stages of development

d) completed1 X (see text)

e) completed and adopted2

f) reports on implementation available

21. What is the status of your national biodiversity action plan (6a)?

a) none



d) completed2 X

e) completed and adopted2

f) reports on implementation available

22. Do your national strategies and action plans cover all articles of the Convention(6a)?

a) some articles only X

b) most articles

c) all articles

1/ Please provide information requested at the end of these guidelines.

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23. Do your national strategies and action plans cover integration of other sectoralactivities (6b)?

a) no

b) some sectors

c) all major sectors X

d) all sectors

Decision II/7 and Decision III/9 Consideration of Articles 6 and 8

24. Is action being taken to exchange information and share experience on the nationalaction planning process with other Contracting Parties?

a) little or no action X

b) sharing of strategies, plans and/or case-studies

c) regional meetings

25. Do all of your country’s strategies and action plans include an internationalcooperation component?

a) no X

b) yes

26. Are your country’s strategies and action plans coordinated with those ofneighbouring countries?

a) no

b) bilateral/multilateral discussions under way

c) coordinated in some areas/themes

d) fully coordinated

e) not applicable X

27. Has your country set measurable targets within its strategies and action plans?

a) no

b) early stages of development X


d) programme in place

e) reports on implementation available

If a developing country Party or a Party with economy in transition -

28. Has your country received support from the financial mechanism for the preparationof its national strategy and action plan?

a) no

b) yes X

If yes, which was the Implementing Agency (UNDP/UNEP/World Bank)? World Bank(GEF)

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Decisions III/21. Relationship of the Convention with the CSD andbiodiversity-related conventions

29. Are the national focal points for the CBD and the competent authorities of theRamsar Convention, Bonn Convention and CITES cooperating in the implementation ofthese conventions to avoid duplication?

a) no

b) yes – limited extent X

c) yes – significant extent


In response to article 6 of the convention, The Ministry of Forestry andEnvironment has prepared the Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka: AFramework for Action (Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan, BCAP) and wasadopted in 1998 by Ministry of Forestry and Environment. The BCAP discussesproblems of biodiversity depletion in the different ecosystems and determinethe issues, proximate causes, underline causes and actions needed. The BCAPhas identified four broad areas of ecosystem diversity, namely forests,wetlands, coastal and marine systems, and agricultural systems. Under eachecosystem, main issues have been identified followed by objectives. Therecommended actions and the implementing institutions are also defined. Atthe regional level (Provincial Council Level) Regional Biodiversity ActionPlans have been developed. The Sectoral Biodiversity (i.e. biodiversity ofdomestic animals) Conservation Framework for Action is under preparation.

There are numerous policies and action plans, laws and regulations, andinstitutions involved in the conservation of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. Toensure that biodiversity concerns are reflected in all development programs,and to strengthen Inter-Sectoral coordination in environmental policyformulation, planning and implementation, eight Committees on EnvironmentalPolicy and Management (CEPOM) have been set up in Sri Lanka. The functions ofCEPOM-Biodiversty are to renew and analyze policy issues, assess Sectoralpolicies and developmental programs, and ensure compliance of environmentalpolicies relating to biodiversity.

Biodiversity Secretariat in the Ministry of Forestry and Environment tocoordinate and initiate actions on cross-sectoral activities (avoidduplication of work), promote and facilitate the implementation andmonitoring of projects and programs under the BCAP. Secretariat appointNational Steering Committee (NSC) and various task forces discuss variousbiodiversity related issues and also to make recommendations. National ExpertCommittee was also formed to instruct government on sustainable use ofbiodiversity. The secretariat should also be the official body to liaisewith the Secretariat to the Convention on Biological Diversity in future.

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Article 7 Identification and monitoring






The priority of implementation of this article is high and currently veryweak monitoring activities are going on. As expertise, equipment and longterm research (hence funding), and commitment are essentials for theintegrated monitoring system. Therefore, it can be assumed that theresources for achieving the goals are quite limited in Sri Lanka.

32. Does your country have an ongoing inventory programme at species level (7a)?

a) minimal activity

b) for key groups (such as threatened or endemic species) orindicators

c) for a range of major groups X

d) for a comprehensive range of species

33. Does your country have an ongoing inventory programme at ecosystem level (7a)?

a) minimal activity

b) for ecosystems of particular interest only X

c) for major ecosystems

d) for a comprehensive range of ecosystems

34. Does your country have an ongoing inventory programme at genetic level (7a)?

a) minimal activity

b) minor programme in some sectors X

c) major programme in some sectors

d) major programme in all relevant sectors

35. Does your country have ongoing monitoring programmes at species level (7a)?

a) minimal activity

b) for key groups (such as threatened or endemic species) orindicators

X

c) for a range of major groups

d) for a comprehensive range of species

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36. Does your country have ongoing monitoring programmes at ecosystem level (7b)?

a) minimal activity

b) for ecosystems of particular interest only X

c) for major ecosystems

d) for a comprehensive range of ecosystems

37. Does your country have ongoing monitoring programmes at genetic level (7b)?

a) minimal activity

b) minor programme in some sectors X

c) major programme in some sectors

d) major programme in all relevant sectors

38. Has your country identified activities with adverse affects on biodiversity (7c)?

a) limited understanding

b) threats well known in some areas, not in others X

c) most threats known, some gaps in knowledge

d) comprehensive understanding

e) reports available

39. Is your country monitoring these activities and their effects (7c)?

a) no

b) early stages of programme development X

c) advanced stages of programme development



40. Does your country coordinate information collection and management at the nationallevel (7d)?

a) no

b) early stages of programme development X

c) advanced stages of programme development



Decision III/10 Identification, monitoring and assessment

41. Has your country identified national indicators of biodiversity?

a) no X

b) assessment of potential indicators underway

c) indicators identified (if so, please describe below)

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42. Is your country using rapid assessment and remote sensing techniques?

a) no

b) assessing opportunities

c) yes, to a limited extent X

d) yes, to a major extent


43. Has your country adopted a “step-by-step” approach to implementing Article 7 withinitial emphasis on identification of biodiversity components (7a) and activitieshaving adverse effects on them (7c)?

a) no

b) not appropriate to national circumstances

c) yes X

44. Is your country cooperating with other Contracting Parties on pilot projects todemonstrate the use of assessment and indicator methodologies?

a) no X

b) yes (if so give details below)

45. Has your country prepared any reports of experience with application of assessmentmethodologies and made these available to other Contracting Parties?

a) no X

b) yes

46. Is your country seeking to make taxonomic information held in its collections morewidely available?

a) no relevant collections

b) no action

c) yes (if so, please give details below) X

Decision V/7. Identification, monitoring and assessment, and indicators

47. Is your country actively involved in co-operating with other countries in yourregion in the field of indicators, monitoring and assessment?

a) no

b) limited co-operation

c) extensive co-operation on some issues X

d) extensive co-operation on a wide range of issues

48. Has your country made available case studies concerning the development andimplementation of assessment, monitoring and indicator programmes?

a) no X

b) yes - sent to the Secretariat

c) yes – through the national CHM

d) yes – other means (please specify)

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49. Is your country assisting other Parties to increase their capacity to developindicator and monitoring programmes?

a) no

b) providing training

c) providing direct support

d) sharing experience X

e) other (please describe)


During the last 2-3 decades, studies on biodiversity have been carried fornumber of different taxonomic groups. Numerous research reports and bookshave been published regarding various aspects of biodiversity.

The rich array of ecosystems found in the country is grouped into four basichabitat classes: forest (9 different types), inland wetlands (6 differenttypes), coastal and marine systems (8 types) and agricultural systems (6types). The statistical account on the forest and agricultural ecosystems hasbeen carried out for a long time. The present area and distribution ofdifferent natural ecosystems is available. Further, 15 bioregions have beenrecognised based on climate and geophysical classifications, the fauna andflora distribution patterns, and the biodiversity richness of different partsof the country. However, monitoring at the ecosystem level takes place onlyin certain ecosystems within protected areas.

Species diversity of Sri Lanka is relatively well known, at least forselected groups such as flowering plants and birds. Revised Hand Book to theFlora of Ceylon (12 Volumes), Birds of Sri Lanka, Butterflies and Dragonfliesof Sri Lanka, the 1999 List of the Threatened Fauna and Flora of Sri Lanka, AList of the Endemic Plants of Sri Lanka are prepared inventories as a resultsof various studies. Comprehensive review of forest biodiversity in protectedareas is available due to National Conservation Review (NCR) by ForestDepartment and IUCN. The Central Environmental Authority has assessedBiodiversity of the majority of wetland ecosystems. National AquaticResources Research and Development Agency (NARA) is handling the marinesector biodiversity. However, monitoring at the species level has beenestablished only for key plant and animal groups. The number of the migratorybirds is estimated through the annual winter-spring counting carried outmainly by members of national and international NGOs.

The genetic specifications of the different species, giving their varietiesand morphological differences, are also published for most of theeconomically important crops. Sri Lanka has many traditional and rarecultivars and breeds, and many wild relatives of domesticated species. Someof these have been identified. At the Plant Genetic Resources Center (PGRC)11,205 accessions from 150 crop species are collected and conserved. Themonitoring of the wild plants and animals at the genetic level is carried outmostly for the commercially important species. The genetic monitoring ofdomestic plants and animals is carried out mainly by scientific and researchinstitutions only for selected species.

The activities that have adverse affects on biodiversity have been identifiedin some areas. Among these, population pressure, removal of material fromwild, pollution, lack of understanding of scientific management, alien

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invasive plants and animal species, over visitation, legal and institutionalsystems that promote activities detrimental to biodiversity conservation,inequity in ownership and benefits to local community, and under-valuation ofbiodiversity have also detrimental to biodiversity of Sri Lanka. Properpreventive activities, the activities for the protection and conservation ofbiodiversity, steps to be taken to reduce the negative effect of theunfavourable and disadvantageous impacts upon the biodiversity have beendetermined. Information is also lacking on spatial distribution of threats tobiological diversity at different ecosystems. However, monitoring of theabove causes is very rare in Sri Lanka mainly due to lack of manpower,procedures and funding for monitoring. Even though the EIA process hasidentified monitoring programs for prescribed projects, continuos monitoringis seldom carried out. Assessment of potential indicators are alsoprogressing on personal basis.

The information of taxonomic collections are given in the discussion of thenext section (page 20).

The National Science Foundation (NSF) of Sri Lanka is mainly working oncoordination of biodiversity information on fauna where as the ForestDepartment is handling biodiversity information on flora. The Ministry ofForestry and Environment is planning to develop mega-database to facilitatecoordination of information on biodiversity through its BiodiversitySecretariat.

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Decisions on Taxonomy

Decision IV/1 Report and recommendations of the third meeting of SBSTTA[part]

50. Has your country carried out a national taxonomic needs assessment, and/or heldworkshops to determine national taxonomic priorities?

a) no X

b) early stages of assessment

c) advanced stages of assessment

d) assessment completed

51. Has your country developed a national taxonomic action plan?

a) no X



d) action plan in place


52. Is your country making available appropriate resources to enhance the availabilityof taxonomic information?

a) no

b) yes, but this does not cover all known needs adequately X

c) yes, covering all known needs

53. Is your country encouraging bilateral and multilateral training and employmentopportunities for taxonomists, particularly those dealing with poorly known organisms?

a) no

b) some opportunities X

c) significant opportunities

54. Is your country investing on a long-term basis in the development of appropriateinfrastructure for your national taxonomic collections?

a) no

b) some investment X

c) significant investment

55. Is your country encouraging partnerships between taxonomic institutions indeveloped and developing countries?

a) no

b) yes – stated policy X

c) yes – systematic national programme X

56. Has your country adopted any international agreed levels of collection housing?

a) no

b) under review

c) being implemented by some collections X

d) being implemented by all major collections

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57. Has your country provided training programmes in taxonomy?

a) no

b) some X

c) many

58. Has your country reported on measures adopted to strengthen national capacity intaxonomy, to designate national reference centres, and to make information housed incollections available to countries of origin?

a) no X

b) yes – in the previous national report

c) yes – via the clearing-house mechanism

d) yes - other means (please give details below)

59. Has your country taken steps to ensure that institutions responsible for biologicaldiversity inventories and taxonomic activities are financially and administrativelystable?

a) no

b) under review

c) yes for some institutions X

d) yes for all major institutions

60. Has your country assisted taxonomic institutions to establish consortia to conductregional projects?

a) no

b) under review

c) yes – limited extent X

d) yes – significant extent

61. Has your country given special attention to international funding of fellowshipsfor specialist training abroad or for attracting international experts to national orregional courses?

a) no

b) under review

c) yes – limited extent X


62. Has your country provided programmes for re-training of qualified professionalsmoving into taxonomy-related fields?

a) no

b) some X

c) many

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Decision V/9. Global Taxonomy Initiative: Implementation and furtheradvance of the Suggestions for Action

63. Has your country identified its information requirements in the area of taxonomy,and assessed its national capacity to meet these requirements?

a) no

b) basic assessment X

c) thorough assessment

64. Has your country established or consolidated taxonomic reference centres?

a) no

b) yes X

65. Has your country worked to increase its capacity in the area of taxonomic research?

a) no

b) yes X

66. Has your country communicated information on programmes, projects and initiativesfor consideration as pilot projects under the Global Taxonomy Initiative to theExecutive Secretary?

a) no X

b) yes

67. Has your country designated a national Global Taxonomy Initiative focal pointlinked to other national focal points?

a) no X

b) yes

68. Has your country participated in the development of regional networks to facilitateinformation-sharing for the Global Taxonomy Initiative?

a) no

b) yes X

If a developing country Party or Party with economy in transition -

69. Has your country sought resources through the financial mechanism for the priorityactions identified in the decision?

a) no X

b) applied for unsuccessfully

c) applied for successfully

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Further comments on implementation of these decisions

Research in systematic and taxonomy have long been neglected in Sri Lanka,although many large groups of Sri Lanka’s biota to be subjected to systematicrevisions. Development of National Taxonomic Action Plan is at very earlystage. Inadequacy of systematics based courses in graduate and postgraduatelevels, inadequate infrastructure and equipment, and lack of financialsupport hindered application of systematics works in Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, the preserved collections of internationally accepted specimensof fauna and flora are deposited in the Department of National Museums andthe National Herbariums. Others also hold specimens for educational andresearch purposes. The National herbarium at Peradeniya (specimens from 4939genera including angiosperms, pteridophyta, gymnosperm, bryophytes andmosses; 1471 are local specimens), recently developed herbarium at Hakgala(contains more than 2,000 specimens) and private organization such as WHThold preserved collections of plant species. The National museum holdsbiorepository on vertebrates (mammals-2885, birds-3243, reptiles-7128,amphebians-1059, fishes-15064), invertebrates (mollucs-4671, polechetes-2001,other-numerous, insects-over 100,000). Other institutes and NGOs, such asWildlife heritage trust, Horticultural crop research and developmentinstitute, Department of wildlife conservation, Dr. Malik Fernando,University of Sri Jayawardenapura, National Aquatic Resources Agency, KalikaPerera also holding specimens for research purposes.

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Article 8 In situ conservation [excluding Articles 8h and 8j]


a) High x b) Medium c) Low




Since the country is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world and thecountry has declared about 14% of its forest area as Protected Areas, thereis very high priority for implementation of the article 8. However, lack ofmanpower (particularly for protection of natural forests), institutionalstructures (multiple institutes and approach for conservation) and lack offinancial and technical provisions have limited implementation of thisarticle.

72. Has your country established a system of protected areas which aims to conservebiological diversity (8a)?

a) system under development

b) national review of protected areas coverage available

c) national protected area systems plan in place

d) relatively complete system in place X

73. Are there nationally adopted guidelines for the selection, establishment andmanagement of protected areas (8b)?

a) no

b) no, under development X

c) yes

d) yes, undergoing review and extension

74. Does your country regulate or manage biological resources important for theconservation of biological diversity with a view to ensuring their conservation andsustainable use (8c)?

a) no



d) programme or policy in place


25

75. Has your country undertaken measures that promote the protection of ecosystems,natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in naturalsurroundings (8d)?

a) no measures X

b) some measures in place

c) potential measures under review

d) reasonably comprehensive measures in place

76. Has your country undertaken measures that promote environmentally sound andsustainable development in areas adjacent to protected areas (8e)?

a) no measures

b) some measures in place X


d) reasonably comprehensive measures in place

77. Has your country undertaken measures to rehabilitate and restore degradedecosystems (8f)?

a) no measures


(speciallydegraded teaand rubberlands)


d) comprehensive measures in place

78. Has your country undertaken measures to promote the recovery of threatened species(8f)?

a) no measures




79. Has your country undertaken measures to regulate, manage or control the risksassociated with the use and release of living modified organisms resulting frombiotechnology (8g)?

a) no measures




80. Has your country made attempts to provide the conditions needed for compatibilitybetween present uses and the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable useof its components (8i)?

a) no


c) advanced stages of development X

26



81. Has your country developed and maintained the necessary legislation and/or otherregulatory provisions for the protection of threatened species and populations (8k)?

a) no



d) legislation or other measures in place

82. Does your country regulate or manage processes and categories of activitiesidentified under Article 7 as having significant adverse effects on biologicaldiversity (8l)?

a) no X

b) under review

c) yes, to a limited extent

d) yes, to a significant extent

If a developed country Party -

83. Does your country cooperate in providing financial and other support for in- situconservation particularly to developing countries (8m)?


84. Does your country receive financial and other support for in situ conservation(8m)?

a) no

b) yes (if so, please give details below) X

Decision II/7 Consideration of Articles 6 and 8 of the Convention

85. Is action being taken to share information and experience on implementation of thisArticle with other Contracting Parties?

a) little or no action X

b) sharing of written materials and/or case-studies

c) regional meetings

27


Sri Lanka is a global biodiversity hotspot, and about half of its species areendemic, including all freshwater crabs, 90% of amphibians, 25 to 75% ofreptiles and invertebrates, around 50% of freshwater fish, 26% of floweringplants, 14% of mammals and at least as many non-migrant birds. Speciesrichness is extreme, and although little studied, there are known to be over3,368 species of flowering plants, 314 ferns, 575 mosses, 190 liverworts, 896algae, 1,920 fungi, 400 arachnids, 242 butterflies, 117 dragon anddamselflies, 139 mosquitoes, 525 carbid beetles, 266 land snails, 78freshwater fishes, 250 amphibians, 92 snakes, 35 freshwater crabs, 21 geckos,21 skinks, 322 non migrant birds, and 86 mammals. The island also providescritical habitat for internationally mobile species, including five speciesof endangered marine turtle, about 100 species of waterfowl and many othermigratory birds. The Protected Area (PA) system represents the ecosystemsthat support these species. Hence important for in situ conservation.

Sri Lanka’s protected areas comprised of 9,700 square kilometers, whichaccounts for 14% of the total land area. Department of Wildlife Conservationis responsible for 85% of the PAs and the Forest Department for the remaining14%. The PAs are some of the species rich and endemic rich ecosystems inAsia, and important catchments for major hydropower and irrigation systems.The PAs also play a significant role in supporting rural economies throughwatershed protection and added to the economic and cultural values of SriLanka through the provision of recreational, ecotourism, scientific andeducational opportunities. The PAs are currently unable to provide effectiveprotection for these values due to several reasons such as growing populationpressures of humans and domesticated animals around the PAs, the needs forlegislative and institutional reforms, the lack of resources, managerialskills and technical capacity, and lack of cooperation between governmentagencies. Further, biologically rich wet zonal forest is poorly representedin the protected area system.

System of Protected Areas in Sri Lanka.

Protected Areas Under Department of Wildlife Conservation

Category Extent (ha)Strict Nature Reserves 31,574Nature Reserves 33,372National Parks 462,448Sanctuaries 284,117

Total 811,511

Protected Areas Under Forest Department

Category Extent (ha)National Heritage and Wilderness area 11,187Conservation Forests 71,000International Biosphere Reserves 9,376National Biosphere Reserves 63,384

Total 154,947

The boundaries of the different reserves are being surveyed and marked toprevent illegal activities. A zoning system of protected areas has also been

28

identified to include a cultural, traditional use, core and buffer zone.Buffer zone management incorporating the need of local people is now beingconsidered, and would include income-generating activities for the localpeople. The GEF funded proposed project on Protected area management isconsidering the above problems in selected areas of PAs.

The country has initiated activities to identification and conservation ofthreatened species. The IUCN has prepared a list of threatened species in1998 using objectively and subjectively defined criteria and a participatoryapproach. The ministry of forestry and Environment also established "NationalSpecies Conservation Advisory Group" (NSCAG) to formulate recommendations toon the status of Sri Lanka’s threatened species, major threats and theirsources, and long term trends in their implications. The NSCAG alsocollaborate with IUCNs Species Survival Committee (SSC). This committee willassist in the development of National Species Conservation Strategy, whichwill facilitate field level conservation plans, continued research andmonitoring, etc. The ministry also has supported Coral Transplant program atRummasala. Further, the ministry has established a National SteeringCommittee on in situ conservation of Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) to facilitatedatabase development and activities carried out for CWR. A project ondesigning an optimum protected area system for Sri Lanka’s natural forestswas done by the Forest Department and IUCN. Establishment of Biodiversityparks has also been carried out to release pressure on existing NationalParks.

29

Article 8h Alien species




a) Good b) Adequate X c) Limiting d) Severely limiting


The country has given a very high priority to issues concerning alien invasivespecies. The Ministry of Forestry and Environment has taken a keen interest ineducating the general public on the threats of alien invasive species on thebiodiversity of natural and agricultural ecosystems of the country. Shortage oftrained manpower and financial assistance, and poor participation of the lineministries/departments have affected the successful implementation of the article 8h.

88. Has your country identified alien species introduced?

a) no

b) only major species of concern X

c) only new or recent introductions

d) a comprehensive system tracks new introductions

e) a comprehensive system tracks all known introductions

89. Has your country assessed the risks posed to ecosystems, habitats or species by theintroduction of these alien species?

a) no

b) only some alien species of concern have been assessed X

c) most alien species have been assessed

90. Has your country undertaken measures to prevent the introduction of, control oreradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species?

a) no measures




30

Decision IV/1 Report and recommendations of the third meeting of SBSTTA

91. Is your country collaborating in the development of projects at national, regional,sub-regional and international levels to address the issue of alien species?

a) little or no action

b) discussion on potential projects under way X

c) active development of new projects

92. Does your national strategy and action plan address the issue of alien species?

a) no



Decision V/8. Alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats orspecies

93. Is your country applying the interim guiding principles for prevention,introduction and mitigation of impacts of alien species in the context of activitiesaimed at implementing article 8(h) of the Convention, and in the various sectors?

a) no

b) under consideration

c) limited implementation in some sectors

d) extensive implementation in some sectors X

e) extensive implementation in most sectors

94. Has your country submitted case-studies to the Executive Secretary focusing onthematic assessments?

a) no X

b) in preparation

c) yes

95. Has your country submitted written comments on the interim guiding principles tothe Executive Secretary?

a) no X

b) yes

96. Has your country given priority to the development and implementation of alieninvasive species strategies and action plans?

a) no

b) yes X

97. In dealing with the issue of invasive species, has your country developed orinvolved itself in mechanisms for international co-operation, including the exchangeof best practices?

a) no

b) trans-boundary co-operation

c) regional co-operation

d) multilateral co-operation X

31

98. Is your country giving priority attention to geographically and evolutionarilyisolated ecosystems in its work on alien invasive species?

a) no

b) yes X

99. Is your country using the ecosystem approach and precautionary and bio-geographicalapproaches as appropriate in its work on alien invasive species?

a) no

b) yes X

100. Has your country developed effective education, training and public-awarenessmeasures concerning the issue of alien species?

a) no

b) some initiatives

c) many initiatives X

101. Is your country making available the information which it holds on alienspecies through the CHM?

a) no X

b) some information

c) all available information

d) information available through other channels (please specify)

102. Is your country providing support to enable the Global Invasive SpeciesProgramme to fulfil the tasks outlined in the decision and its annexes?

a) no

b) limited support X

c) substantial support


Sri Lanka has currently identified about 21 species of flora and 13 speciesof fauna as alien invasive. Several workshops and national symposia carriedout with the involvement of different groups of stakeholders have assisted inidentifying these species.

Before policy can be set to implement article 8h, there is a great need forbackground knowledge and basic research on these species. It is important tocarry out baseline survey and monitoring in order to predict possible damageof newly arrived species. New rapid detection methods are required toidentify new populations effectively. Furthermore, in the case of plants,preparation of an inventory of candidate plant species for restoration shouldbe attempted. In this regard, the Ministry of Forestry and Environment hasdone a great deal of work to manage and control of alien invasive species inmany parts of the country. Mapping the spread of U. europaeus in HortonPlains, producing the national list of invasive plants, survey of the spreadof some invasive plants at Divisional Secretary Division basis and carryingout of field awareness programs for grass-root level officers and productionof video documentaries for the national television of the country on alieninvasive plants such as Mimosa pigra, assistance to produce leaflets,pamphlets and posters on alien invasive species, were some of the activitiesorganized by the ministry.

32

The first National Workshop on Alien Invasive species held in October 1999,organized by the Ministry of Forestry and Environment highlighted theimportance of understanding the impact of alien invasive plants on thenatural and agricultural ecosystems of Sri Lanka, and to take remedies. Thisworkshop resulted in the identification of 13 species of alien invasive floraand also highlighted the importance of assessing the impact of alien floraand fauna on ecosystems. The Ministry, through the CEPOM-Biodiversity, iscurrently making preparations to formulate the National Policy on alieninvasive species. The Ministry has also proposed to set up Task Forces towork on the above. An Action Plan should be derived to control and managealien invasive species in Sri Lanka.

The success of programs launched to tackle the problems of alien invasivespecies will depend on the close interaction with other sectors of theeconomy. Thus, urgent need will be to bring together the existing governmentinstitutions, universities, other professional organizations/associations,NGOs, grassroots farmer organizations and the private sector. A successfulattempt was made in September 2000, where the National Agricultural Societyof Sri Lanka (NASSL), the professional body of the agriculturists of thecountry, joined hands with the Ministry of Forestry and Environment to hold aSymposium on "Alien invasive species in Sri Lanka : Impact of ecosystems andmanagement".

Further steps should be taken to strengthen the links among differentstakeholders to develop a coordinated strategy to overcome the threats ofalien invasive species in Sri Lanka.

33

Article 8j Traditional knowledge and related provisions

103. What is the relative priority afforded to implementation of this Article andthe associated decisions by your country?


104. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligationsand recommendations made?

a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting d) Severely limiting X


The country has given a very high priority to this article since since Sri Lanka hasvery rich traditional knowledge base. Center for Traditional Knowledge has worked toidentify traditional knowledge. Shortage of trained manpower, financial assistance,and weak legislation have affected the successful implementation of the article 8j.

105. Has your country undertaken measures to ensure that the knowledge, innovationsand practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestylesrelevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity arerespected, preserved and maintained?

a) no measures




106. Is your country working to encourage the equitable sharing of benefits arisingfrom the utilization of such knowledge, innovations and practices?

a) no




Decision III/4 and Decision IV/9. Implementation of Article 8(j)

107. Has your country developed national legislation and corresponding strategiesfor the implementation of Article 8(j)?

a) no



d) legislation or other measures in place

34

108. Has your country supplied information on the implementation of Article 8(j) toother Contracting Parties through media such as the national report?

a) no X

b) yes - previous national report

c) yes - CHM


109. Has your country submitted case-studies to the Executive Secretary on measurestaken to develop and implement the Convention’s provisions relating to indigenous andlocal communities?

a) no

b) yes X

110. Is your country participating in appropriate working groups and meetings?

a) none X

b) some

c) all

111. Is your country facilitating the active participation of representatives ofindigenous and local communities in these working groups and meetings?

a) no X

b) yes

Decision V/16. Article 8(j) and related provisions

112. Has your country reviewed the programme of work specified in the annex to thedecision, and identified how to implement those tasks appropriate to nationalcircumstances?

a) no X

b) under review

c) yes (please provide details)

113. Is your country integrating such tasks into its ongoing programmes, taking intoaccount the identified collaboration opportunities?

a) no X


c) yes – to a limited extent

d) yes – to a significant extent

114. Is your country taking full account of existing instruments, guidelines, codesand other relevant activities in the implementation of the programme of work?

a) no X




35

115. Has your country provided appropriate financial support for the implementationof the programme of work?

a) no X




116. Has your country fully incorporated women and women’s organizations in theactivities undertaken to implement the programme of work contained in the annex to thedecision and other relevant activities under the Convention?

a) no

b) yes X

117. Has your country taken measures to facilitate the full and effectiveparticipation of indigenous and local communities in the implementation of theConvention?

a) no


c) yes – to a limited extent X


118. Has your country provided case studies on methods and approaches concerning thepreservation and sharing of traditional knowledge, and the control of that informationby indigenous and local communities?

a) no

b) not relevant

c) yes – sent to the Secretariat

d) yes – through the national CHM

e) yes – available through other means (please specify) X

119. Does your country exchange information and share experiences regarding nationallegislation and other measures for the protection of the knowledge, innovations andpractices of indigenous and local communities?

a) no

b) not relevant

c) yes – through the CHM

d) yes – with specific countries

e) yes – available through other means (please specify) X

120. Has your country taken measures to promote the conservation and maintenance ofknowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities?

a) no

b) not relevant

c) some measures X

d) extensive measures

36

121. Has your country supported the development of registers of traditionalknowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities, incollaboration with these communities?

a) no

b) not relevant

c) development in progress X

d) register fully developed

122. Have representatives of indigenous and local community organizationsparticipated in your official delegation to meetings held under the Convention onBiological Diversity?

a) not relevant

b) not appropriate

c) yes X

(through NGOs)

123. Is your country assisting the Secretariat to fully utilize the clearing-housemechanism to co-operate closely with indigenous and local communities to explore waysthat enable them to make informed decisions concerning release of their traditionalknowledge?

a) no X

b) awaiting information on how to proceed

c) yes

124. Has your country identified resources for funding the activities identified inthe decision?

a) no X

b) not relevant

c) partly

d) fully


Centre for Traditional Knowledge and many NGOs are working on identificationand documentation of traditional knowledge in Sri Lanka. Several publicationson traditional knowledge are either published or under preparation. IPRoffice in Sri Lanka is working on IPR issues of traditional knowledge. IUCNis currently working on developing of a legal framework to safeguardtraditional knowledge relating to the use of medicinal plants.

37

Article 9 Ex situ conservation






Relative priority for implementation of this article is also high as Sri Lanka hasvery high genetic diversity of majority of her crops, lots of threatned plants andinfrastructure for ex situ conservation. However, lack of resources (funding,technical assistance and trained manpower) has affected the successful implementationof this article.

127. Has your country adopted measures for the ex situ conservation of components ofbiological diversity native to your country (9a)?

a) no measures




128. Has your country adopted measures for the ex situ conservation of components ofbiological diversity originating outside your country (9a)?

a) no measures




129. If the answer to the previous question was yes, is this being done in activecollaboration with organizations in the other countries (9a)?

a) no X

b) yes

130. Has your country established and maintained facilities for the ex situconservation of and research on plants, animals and micro-organisms that representgenetic resources native to your country (9b)?

a) no



131. Has your country established and maintained facilities for the ex situconservation of and research on plants, animals and micro-organisms that representgenetic resources originating elsewhere (9b)?

a) no X

b) yes – limited extent


38

132. If the answer to the previous question was yes, is this being done in activecollaboration with organizations in the other countries (9a)?

a) no

b) yes X

133. Has your country adopted measures for the reintroduction of threatened speciesinto their natural habitats under appropriate conditions (9c)?

a) no measures




134. Has your country taken measures to regulate and manage the collection ofbiological resources from natural habitats for ex situ conservation purposes so as notto threaten ecosystems and in situ populations of species (9d)?

a) no measures





135. Has your country cooperated in providing financial and other support for exsitu conservation and in the establishment and maintenance of ex situ conservationfacilities in developing countries (9e)?


136. Has your country received financial and other support for ex situ conservationand in the establishment and maintenance of ex situ conservation facilities (9e)?

a) no

b) yes X

39


Since effective conservation required combination of both in situ and ex situoption, Sri Lanka established ex situ conservation of some of itsbiodiversity. Ex situ options include, botanical and zoological gardens,plant genetic resources centre and field gene banks.

Some measures have been adopted for ex situ conservation of components ofbiological diversity (mainly animal and plant species and to limited extendof genetic diversity of plants) in Sri Lanka. Plant Genetic Resources Centre(PGRC) (total of 11,205 accessions belongs to 150 species); Botanic Gardensof Peradeniya (4800 plant species), Henerathgoda (about 500 plant species)and Hakgala (500 plant species); Medicinal Plants Gardens; Field Gene Banksof rice, agricultural and plantation crops; homegardens and hedges; NationalZoological Garden (53 fish species, 32 reptiles, 130 Avian and 98 mammals);Pinnawala elephant orphanage maintains live collections. Department ofAyurveda (medicinal plants), Department of Animal Production and Health andVeterinary Research Institute (domestic animals); National Aquatic ResourcesAgency (NARA) (corals, indigenous varieties of ornamental fish and endangeredspecies). However, there is no centre for Microbial Germplasm, butUniversities and research institutes maintain their own cultures. Inaddition, research institutes (such as Rice, Rubber, Coconut, Tea, ExportAgricultural Crops etc.) also maintain their own clone banks, arboretum, andseed banks etc.

40

Article 10 Sustainable use of components of biological diversity






The sustainable use of components of biological diversity in Sri Lanka is one of thepriority issues. However, inadequate of legislative framework, lack of inverstments,lack of information of ecosystem management and lack of human resources do not permitimplementation of this article.

139. Has your country integrated consideration of the conservation and sustainableuse of biological resources into national decision making (10a)?

a) no




e) review of implementation available

140. Has your country adopted measures relating to the use of biological resourcesthat avoid or minimize adverse impacts on biological diversity (10b)?

a) no measures



d) comprehensive measures in place X

141. Has your country put in place measures that protect and encourage customary useof biological resources that is compatible with conservation or sustainable userequirements (10c)?

a) no measures




41

142. Has your country put in place measures that help local populations develop andimplement remedial action in degraded areas where biological diversity has beenreduced (10d)?

a) no measures




143. Does your country actively encourage cooperation between government authoritiesand the private sector in developing methods for sustainable use of biologicaldiversity (10e)?

a) no





Decisions IV/15. Relationship of the Convention with the Commission onSustainable Development and biodiversity-related conventions

144. Has your country submitted to the Secretariat information on tourism and itsimpacts on biological diversity, and efforts to effectively plan and manage tourism?

a) no X

b) yes – previous national report

c) yes – case-studies

d) yes – other means (please give details below)

145. Has your country submitted to the Secretariat information on biodiversity-related activities of the CSD (such as SIDS, oceans, seas and freshwater resources,consumption and production patterns)?

a) no


c) yes – correspondence X


Decision V/24. Sustainable use as a cross-cutting issue

146. Has your country identified indicators and incentive measures for sectorsrelevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity?

a) no

b) assessment of potential indicators underway X

c) indicators identified (if so, please describe below)

42

147. Has your country assisted other Parties to increase their capacity to implementsustainable-use practices, programmes and policies at regional, national and locallevels, especially in pursuit of poverty alleviation?

a) no X

b) not relevant

c) to a limited extent

d) to a significant extent (please provide details)

148. Has your country developed mechanisms to involve the private sector andindigenous and local communities in initiatives on sustainable use, and in mechanismsto ensure that indigenous and local communities benefit from such sustainable use?

a) no

b) mechanisms under development X

c) mechanisms in place (please describe)

149. Has your country identified areas for conservation that would benefit throughthe sustainable use of biological diversity and communicated this information to theExecutive Secretary?

a) no X

b) yes

Decision V/25. Biological diversity and tourism

150. Has your country based its policies, programmes and activities in the field ofsustainable tourism on an assessment of the inter-linkages between tourism andbiological diversity?

a) no



151. Has your country submitted case-studies on tourism as an example of thesustainable use of biological diversity to the Executive Secretary?

a) no X

b) yes

152. Has your country undertaken activities relevant to biodiversity and tourism insupport of the International Year of Ecotourism?

a) no

b) yes X

153. Has your country undertaken activities relevant to biodiversity and tourism insupport of the International Year of Mountains?

a) no X

b) yes

154. Has your country undertaken activities relevant to biodiversity and tourism insupport of the International Coral Reef Initiative?

a) no X

b) yes

43

155. Has your country established enabling policies and legal frameworks tocomplement voluntary efforts for the effective implementation of sustainable tourism?

a) no


c) to a significant extent (please describe)


The focal point made measures to integrate biodiversity concerns intonational descision making for sustainable use of biodiversity. To ensurethat biodiversity concerens are reflected in all developmental programmes andfor better inter-sectoral coordination in environmental policy formulation,planning, and implementation, environmental policy and management (CEPOM) andcommittee on integrating environment and development (CIEDP) have beennominated. CEPOM-biodiversity forward its recommendations through the CIEDPto the Cabinet of Ministers for approval. National steering committee onbiological diversity (NSCBD) has been formed to make policy formulation andpolicy coordination for the overall implementation of the BCAP. Nationalenvironemntal Action Plan (NEAP) also identifies biodiversity as an area.

GEF funded conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants project wassuccessfully initiated. Five conservation centers have been identified andactiviteis are progressing for sustainable utilization of medicinal plants.Community Environment Initiatives Facility (CEIF) projects have beenestablished with Environment Action 1 Project with the aims of conservationand management of environment. 37% of projects have been mainly focussedforest and their biodiversity and their conservation and utilization,ecotourism etc. CEIF has also given financial assistance for severalprojects to develop and oimplement remedial action on degraded areas of thecountry. Homegardening ane crop diversification programmes are considered aseffective measures to restore degraded lands.

44

Article 11 Incentive measures




a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting d) Severely limiting X


Although there is high potential for implementation of this article since incentivemeasures for biodiversity conservation in Sri Lanka are potentially high. Resourcesare seriously limiting the understanding of the issues and subsequent implementationof the article.

158. Are programmes in place to identify and ensure the adoption of economically andsocially sound measures that act as incentives for the conservation and sustainableuse of components of biological diversity?

a) no

b) early stages of development x


d) programmes in place


159. Do these incentives, and the programmes to identify them and ensure theiradoption, cover the full range of sectoral activities?

a) no

b) some sectors x

c) all major sectors

d) all sectors

Decision III/18. Incentive measures

160. Has your country reviewed legislation and economic policies to identify andpromote incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of components ofbiological diversity?

a) no

b) reviews in progress X

c) some reviews complete

d) as far as practically possible

161. Has your country ensured the development of mechanisms or approaches to ensureadequate incorporation of both market and non-market values of biological diversityinto plans, policies and programmes and other relevant areas, inter alia, nationalaccounting systems and investment strategies?

a) no

b) early stages of identifying mechanisms X

45

c) advanced stages of identifying mechanisms

d) mechanisms in place

e) review of impact of mechanisms available

162. Has your country developed training and capacity building programmes toimplement incentive measures and promote private-sector initiatives?

a) no X

b) planned

c) some

d) many

163. Has your country incorporated biological diversity considerations into impactassessments as a step in the design and implementation of incentive measures?

a) no X

b) yes

164. Has your country shared experience on incentive measures with other Contracting

Parties, including making relevant case-studies available to the Secretariat?

a) no X


c) yes – case-studies


Decision IV/10. Measures for implementing the Convention [part]

165. Is your country actively designing and implementing incentive measures?

a) no



d) measures in place


166. Has your country identified threats to biological diversity and underlyingcauses of biodiversity loss, including the relevant actors, as a stage in designingincentive measures?

a) no

b) partially reviewed X

c) thoroughly reviewed

d) measures designed based on the reviews


167. Do the existing incentive measures take account of economic, social, culturaland ethical valuation of biological diversity?

a) no



46

168. Has your country developed legal and policy frameworks for the design andimplementation of incentive measures?

a) no X



d) frameworks in place


169. Does your country carry out consultative processes to define clear target-oriented incentive measures to address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss?

a) no

b) processes being identified X

c) processes identified but not implemented

d) processes in place

170. Has your country identified and considered neutralizing perverse incentives?

a) no X

b) identification programme under way

c) identified but not all neutralized

d) identified and neutralized

Decision V/15. Incentive measures

171. Has your country reviewed the incentive measures promoted through the KyotoProtocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change?

a) no X

b) yes

172. Has your country explored possible ways and means by which these incentivemeasures can support the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity in yourcountry?

a) no X

b) under consideration

c) early stages of development

d) advanced stages of development

e) further information available

47


Most of activities on incentive measures are under reviewed for some sectors.Identification of market and non-market values of biodiversity is at earlystage. Although EIA is compulsory for prescribed projects, it has not seenas incentive measures. Limited work has done to identify and implementincentive measures. Before practising, considerable amount of eitherresearch or sharing of information are essential for successfulimplementation of this article.

48

Article 12 Research and training






Priority to implementation of this article is very high although existingresources (financial, multidisciplinary professionals, chemicals andequipment) have severely hindered the implementation. Very high biodiversityin Sri Lanka further demanded comprehensive long term research programmes.

175. Has your country established programmes for scientific and technical educationand training in measures for the identification, conservation and sustainable use ofbiological diversity and its components (12a)?

a) no



d) programmes in place

176. Has your country provided support to other Parties for education and trainingin measures for the identification, conservation and sustainable use of biologicaldiversity and its components (12a)?

a) no

b) yes X

177. Does your country promote and encourage research which contributes to theconservation and sustainable use of biological diversity (12b)?

a) no



178. Does your country promote and cooperate in the use of scientific advances inbiological diversity research in developing methods for conservation and sustainableuse of biological resources (12c)?

a) no


c) yes – significant extent x

49


179. Does your country’s implementation of the above activities take into accountthe special needs of developing countries?

a) no

b) yes, where relevant


In the University system, the Faculties of Science (Departments of Botany andZoology), Agriculture, and Environment and Forestry, have incorporatedbiodiversity into their curricula. University of Peradeniya conducted atraining program on plant ecophysiology with the assistance from Ministry ofForestry and Environment. Several workshops have been conducted to enhancethe skills of relevant officers in the ministries, statuary bodies,universities etc. through Biodiversity Skill Enhancement Project (BSEP). Anintensive training workshop on project proposal writing was also conductedwith special reference to biodiversity to selected participants from NGOs andEnvironmental Development Assistants of the Central Environmental Authority.

A training workshop on plant taxonomy was also conducted with scientificofficers of Government officers as the target group. Special research andtraining programs were conducted on Invasive Alien species. Nationalworkshop on Lichens was also held. Training program on Environmental ImpactAssessment is running for 13 years to training people on practical EIAassessment. Universities also consider biodiversity as a priority area intheir research agenda. Only the Plant Genetic Resources Center is conducting(with the assistance of JICA) a third country-training program for otherparties on plant genetic resources conservation and sustainable utilization.

Detailed research on biodiversity, especially on sustainable use ofbiological diversity, is limited, although the priority research needed forall types of ecosystems has been identified in Biodiversity Conservation inSri Lanka by the Framework for Action and Council for Agricultural ResearchProject. Through its' research component, the GEF-funded Conservation andSustainable Utilization of Medicinal Plants projects has encouragedsustainable utilization and conservation of medicinal plant biodiversity inSri Lanka.

50

Article 13 Public education and awareness




a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting x d) Severely limiting


Sri Lanka pays considerable attention to implement this article to educateand aware public on biodiversity. Currently, the country is seriouslyconsidering about effectiveness of current awareness programs and means andways to achieve higher effectiveness. Resources for the implementation ofactivities of this article are limited.

182. Does your country promote and encourage understanding of the importance of, andthe measures required for, the conservation of biodiversity (13a) through media?

a) no


c) yes – significant extent x

183. Does your country promote and encourage understanding of the importance of, andthe measures required for, the conservation of biodiversity (13a) through theinclusion of this topic in education programmes?

a) no


c) yes – significant extent X

184. Does your country cooperate with other States and international organizationsin developing relevant educational and public awareness programmes (13b)?

a) no




185. Are public education and awareness needs covered in the national strategy andaction plan?

a) no



51

186. Has your country allocated appropriate resources for the strategic use ofeducation and communication instruments at each phase of policy formulation,implementation and evaluation?

a) limited resources X

b) significant but not adequate resources

c) adequate resources

187. Does your country support initiatives by major groups that foster stakeholderparticipation and that integrate biological diversity conservation matters in theirpractice and education programmes?

a) no

b) yes X

188. Has your country integrated biodiversity concerns into education strategies?

a) no



d) yes

189. Has your country made available any case-studies on public education andawareness and public participation, or otherwise sought to share experiences?

a) no X

b) yes

190. Has your country illustrated and translated the provisions of the Conventioninto any local languages to promote public education and awareness raising of relevantsectors?

a) not relevant

b) still to be done

c) under development

d) yes X

191. Is your country supporting local, national, sub-regional and regional educationand awareness programmes?

a) no




192. When requesting assistance through the GEF, has your country proposed projectsthat promote measures for implementing Article 13 of the Convention?

a) no

b) yes X

52

Decision V/17. Education and public awareness

193. Does your country support capacity-building for education and communication inbiological diversity as part of the national biodiversity strategy and action plans?

a) no

b) limited support X

c) yes (please give details)


The country is promoting public education and awareness on conservation andsustainable use of biodiversity through all possible media, such asnewspapers, television and radio programs. Educational programs aiming atschool children have been conducted on various issues of biodiversity.Programs are conducted in collaboration with governmental, NGOs and privatesectors. Several awareness and education program on Alien Invasive Specieswere conducted for Universities, NGOs, farmers, government and private sectorofficers. Preparation of posters and leaflets on alien invasive plants werealso conducted and distributed among stakeholders. The Ministry has alsostarted to publish a newsletter on implementation activities of the BCAP. Inaddition the ministry also support several other NGOs to publishbiodiversity-related information. The country’s policy formulations andimplementations are open to public through newspapers and public hearings.

Biology, a subject of Advanced Level curriculum at schools, includes asection on biodiversity. Parallel to this, the Ministry of Forestry andEnvironment and Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya havedeveloped a Training program on biodiversity for A/L biology teachers. Thefirst training program was successfully held for teaches from CentralProvince. This program will be conducted in islandwide basis in future toeducate A/L teaches which is the best way to disseminate current knowledge onbiodiversity for young group. Funding has been requested from other parts ofthe world to continue this program in the SARRC region. The PostgraduateInstitute of Science is offering an MSc on Biodiversity. Sarvodaya, annational NGO in Sri Lanka, is also conducting training program onbiodiversity for sustainable production for grassroots level people. Eco clubprogram was initiated at school level.

53

Article 14 Impact assessment and minimizing adverse impacts




a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting x d) Severely limiting


The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is mainly involved in conductingEIAs. EIAs are done for all prescribed projects (prescribed are projectshaving significant impacts on the environment and biodiversity and list ofprescribed projects has been gazetted. However, lack of personal andresources have hampered the monitoring programs after implementation ofprojects.

196. Is legislation in place requiring an environmental impact assessment ofproposed projects likely to have adverse effects on biological diversity (14 (1a))?

a) no



d) legislation in place X


197. Do such environmental impact assessment procedures allow for publicparticipation (14(1a))?

a) no


c) yes – significant extent X

198. Does your country have mechanisms in place to ensure that the environmentalconsequences of national programmes and policies that are likely to have significantadverse impacts on biological diversity are duly taken into account (14(1b))?

a) no



d) fully compliant with current scientific knowledge

54

199. Is your country involved in bilateral, regional and/or multilateral discussionon activities likely to significantly affect biological diversity outside yourcountry’s jurisdiction (14(1c))?

a) no



200. Is your country implementing bilateral, regional and/or multilateral agreementson activities likely to significantly affect biological diversity outside yourcountry’s jurisdiction (14(1c))?

a) no

b) no, assessment of options in progress

c) some completed, others in progress X

b) yes

201. Has your country mechanisms in place to notify other States of cases ofimminent or grave danger or damage to biological diversity originating in your countryand potentially affecting those States (14(1d))?

a) no




e) no need identified

202. Has your country mechanisms in place to prevent or minimize danger or damageoriginating in your State to biological diversity in other States or in areas beyondthe limits of national jurisdiction (14(1d))?

a) no



d) fully compliant with current scientific knowledge

e) no need identified x

203. Has your country national mechanisms in place for emergency response toactivities or events which present a grave and imminent danger to biological diversity(14(1e))?

a) no




204. Has your country encouraged international cooperation to establish jointcontingency plans for emergency responses to activities or events which present agrave and imminent danger to biological diversity (14(1e))?

a) no

b) yes X

(regional

55

cooperation inoil spills)

c) no need identified


205. Has your country exchanged with other Contracting Parties information andexperience relating to environmental impact assessment and resulting mitigatingmeasures and incentive schemes?

a) no X

b) information provided to the Secretariat

c) information provided to other Parties

d) information provided on the national CHM

206. Has your country exchanged with other Contracting Parties information onmeasures and agreements on liability and redress applicable to damage to biologicaldiversity?

a) no X

b) information provided to the Secretariat

c) information provided to other Parties

d) information provided on the national CHM

Decision V/18. Impact assessment, liability and redress

207. Has your country integrated environmental impact assessment into programmes onthematic areas and on alien species and tourism?

a) no

b) partly integrated X

c) fully integrated

208. When carrying out environmental impact assessments does your country addressloss of biological diversity and the interrelated socio-economic, cultural and human-health aspects relevant to biological diversity?

a) no

b) partly X

c) fully

209. When developing new legislative and regulatory frameworks, does your countryhave in place mechanisms to ensure the consideration of biological diversity concernsfrom the early stages of the drafting process?

a) no

b) in some circumstances X

c) in all circumstances

210. Does your country ensure the involvement of all interested and affectedstakeholders in a participatory approach to all stages of the assessment process?

a) no

b) yes - in certain circumstances

c) yes - in all cases X

56

211. Has your country organised expert meetings, workshops and seminars, and/ortraining, educational and public awareness programmes and exchange programmes in orderto promote the development of local expertise in methodologies, techniques andprocedures for impact assessment?

a) no

b) some programmes in place

c) many programmes in place

d) integrated approach to building expertise X

212. Has your country carried out pilot environmental impact assessment projects, inorder to promote the development of local expertise in methodologies, techniques andprocedures?

a) no

b) yes (please provide further details) X

213. Does your country use strategic environmental assessments to assess not onlythe impact of individual projects, but also their cumulative and global effects, andensure the results are applied in the decision making and planning processes?

a) no



214. Does your country require the inclusion of development of alternatives,mitigation measures and consideration of the elaboration of compensation measures inenvironmental impact assessment?

a) no

b) to a limited extent

c) to a significant extent X

215. Is national information available on the practices, systems, mechanisms andexperiences in the area of strategic environmental assessment and impact assessment?

a) no

b) yes (please append or summarise) X

57


In Sri Lanka, the EIA process was first introduced through the legislation ofthe Coast Conservation Act No 57 of 1981, which was confined to only 300 mstrip of land along the coastal zone of the island. Subsequently an EIAsystem for the whole country was administratively introduced in January 1984.The statutory provision was made by an amendment to the NationalEnvironmental Act (Act No 56 of 1988). Thus, the future development projects,as described by Minister in charge of the subject of environment must receiveenvironmental clearance before it is approved for implementation. The North-Western Province Environmental Statute No. 12 of 1990 is a provinciallegislation that guides EIA. The EIA process is an open process, which allowspublic participation in decision-making. Currently, Sectional EIA, ProjectEIA and IEA are being carried out. Industries required to obtain andenvironmental Protection License from Central Environmental Authority (CEA)under the environmental Protection License (EPL) Scheme. Severalenvironmental standards have been developed and are being enforced by the CEAthrough EPL procedure. The CEA is conducting training programs on EIA todevelop local expertise on methodologies, techniques and procedures on impactassessment.

Currently, the country is considering an Ecosystem and Ecological ImpactAssessment and strategic environmental assessment to understand overallimpacts of different projects on biodiversity.

58

Article 15 Access to genetic resources






Implementation of this article is also high since the country has very rich geneticresources and its sovereign rights to use them in sustainable manner. However, lackof legal instrument is hindered the implementation of this article.

218. Has your country endeavoured to create conditions to facilitate access togenetic resources for environmentally sound uses by other Contracting Parties (15(2))?

a) no



219. Is there any mutual understanding or agreement in place between differentinterest groups and the State on access to genetic resources (15(4))?

a) no



220. Has your country an open participation planning process, or any other processin place, to ensure that access to resources is subject to prior informed consent(15(5))?

a) no



d) processes in place

221. Has your country taken measures to ensure that any scientific research based ongenetic resources provided by other Contracting Parties is developed and carried outwith the full participation of such Contracting Parties (15(6))?

a) no measures




59

222. Has your country taken measures to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of theresults of research and development and the benefits arising from the commercial andother use of genetic resources with any Contracting Party providing such resources(15(7))?

a) no measures X




If so, are these measures

a) Legislation

b) Statutory policy or subsidiary legislation

c) Policy and administrative measures

Decision II/11 and Decision III/15. Access to genetic resources

223. Has your country provided the secretariat with information on relevantlegislation, administrative and policy measures, participatory processes and researchprogrammes?

a) no

b) yes, within the previous national report

c) yes, through case-studies

d) yes, through other means (please give details below) X

224. Has your country implemented capacity-building programmes to promote successfuldevelopment and implementation of legislative, administrative and policy measures andguidelines on access, including scientific, technical, business, legal and managementskills and capacities?

a) no

b) some programmes covering some needs X

c) many programmes covering some needs

d) programmes cover all perceived needs

e) no perceived need

225. Has your country analysed experiences of legislative, administrative and policymeasures and guidelines on access, including regional efforts and initiatives, for usein further development and implementation of measures and guidelines?

a) no

b) analysis in progress

c) analysis completed X

226. Is your country collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to explore,develop and implement guidelines and practices that ensure mutual benefits toproviders and users of access measures?

a) no



60

227. Has your country identified national authorities responsible for grantingaccess to genetic resources?

a) no X

b) yes

228. Is your country taking an active role in negotiations associated with theadaptation of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food andAgriculture?

a) no

b) yes X

Decision V/26. Access to genetic resources

229. Has your country designated a national focal point and one or more competentnational authorities to be responsible for access and benefit-sharing arrangements orto provide information on such arrangements?

a) no

b) yes X

c) yes, and Executive Secretary notified

230. Do your country’s national biodiversity strategy, and legislative,administrative or policy measures on access and benefit-sharing, contribute toconservation and sustainable use objectives?

a) no



Parties that are recipients of genetic resources

231. Has your country adopted administrative or policy measures that are supportiveof efforts made by provider countries to ensure that access to their genetic resourcesis subject to Articles 15, 16 and 19 of the Convention?

a) no X

b) other arrangements made

c) yes

232. Does your country co-operate with other Parties in order to find practical andequitable solutions supportive of efforts made by provider countries to ensure thataccess to their genetic resources is subject to Articles 15, 16 and 19 of theConvention, recognizing the complexity of the issue, with particular consideration ofthe multiplicity of prior informed consent considerations?

a) no X

b) yes (please provide details)

61

233. In developing its legislation on access, has your country taken into accountand allowed for the development of a multilateral system to facilitate access andbenefit-sharing in the context of the International Undertaking on Plant GeneticResources?

a) no

b) legislation under development

c) yes X

234. Is your country co-ordinating its positions in both the Convention onBiological Diversity and the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources?

a) no

b) taking steps to do so X

c) yes

235. Has your country provided information to the Executive Secretary on userinstitutions, the market for genetic resources, non-monetary benefits, new andemerging mechanisms for benefit sharing, incentive measures, clarification ofdefinitions, sui generis systems and “intermediaries”?

a) no X

b) some information provided

c) substantial information provided

236. Has your country submitted information on specific issues related to the roleof intellectual property rights in the implementation of access and benefit-sharingarrangements to the Executive Secretary?

a) no X

b) yes

237. Has your country provided capacity-building and technology development andtransfer for the maintenance and utilization of ex situ collections?

a) no

b) yes to a limited extent X

c) yes to a significant extent

62


A number of projects relating to access to information on plant geneticresources are currently being implemented (Crop wild relatives etc.). Muchof these projects are based on memorandum of understanding and code ofconduct.

The focal point appoints legal task force to develop a new law on access togenetic resources. A New Law on Access to Genetic Resources and BenefitSharing is been prepared to avoid the gaps of current national legalinstruments related to access and benefit sharing. The Legal Task Force hasreviewed the existing legislations related to biodiversity and made theirrecommendations to avoid bio-piracy while achieving equitable sharing.

Code of ethics for research has been drafted to safeguard research onbiodiversity and benefit sharing. This ensures that Sri Lanka receives anequitable share of the benefits from country’s biological diversity.

63

Article 16 Access to and transfer of technology






240. Has your country taken measures to provide or facilitate access for andtransfer to other Contracting Parties of technologies that are relevant to theconservation and sustainable use of biological diversity or make use of geneticresources and do not cause significant damage to the environment (16(1))?

a) no measures X




241. Is your country aware of any initiatives under which relevant technology istransferred to your country on concessional or preferential terms (16(2))?

a) no X

b) yes (please give brief details below)

242. Has your country taken measures so that Contracting Parties which providegenetic resources are provided access to and transfer of technology which make use ofthose resources, on mutually agreed terms (16(3))?

a) not relevant

b) relevant, but no measures

c) some measures in place X

d) potential measures under review

e) comprehensive measures in place


a) Legislation X

b) Statutory policy or subsidiary legislation X

c) Policy and administrative arrangements

64

243. Has your country taken measures so that the private sector facilitates accessto joint development and transfer of relevant technology for the benefit of governmentinstitutions and the private sector of developing countries (16(4))?

a) no measures





a) Legislation?

b) Statutory policy and subsidiary legislation?

c) Policy and administrative arrangements?

244. Does your country have a national system for intellectual property rightprotection (16(5))?

a) no

b) yes X

245. If yes, does it cover biological resources (for example, plant species) in anyway?

a) no



Decision III/17. Intellectual property rights

246. Has your country conducted and provided to the secretariat case-studies of theimpacts of intellectual property rights on the achievement of the Conventionsobjectives?

a) no X

b) some

c) many

65


66

Article 17 Exchange of information






Implementation of this article also receives high priority since the country is abiological hotspot and a considerable amount of knowledge is accumulating in thecountry as results of research activities. Further, Sri Lanka’s has similarenvironmental conditions with many countries in the region. However, lack offacilities of mega database development hindered implementation of this article.

249. Has your country taken measures to facilitate the exchange of information frompublicly available sources (17(1))?

a) no measures

b) restricted by lack of resources X

c) some measures in place

d) potential measures under review

e) comprehensive measures in place


250. Do these measures take into account the special needs of developing countries(17(1))?

a) no



251. If so, do these measures include all the categories of information listed inArticle 17(2), including technical, scientific and socio-economic research, trainingand surveying programmes, specialized knowledge, repatriation of information and soon?

a) no



67

Article 18 Technical and scientific cooperation






Priority for implementation of this article is high since much of the conservation andsustainable activities of biodiversity depends on use of appropriate technicalscientific techniques. Lack of resources are major obligation for implementation ofthis article.

254. Has your country taken measures to promote international technical andscientific cooperation in the field of conservation and sustainable use of biologicaldiversity (18(1))?

a) no measures




255. Do the measures taken to promote cooperation with other Contracting Parties inthe implementation of the Convention pay special attention to the development andstrengthening of national capabilities by means of human resources development andinstitution building (18(2))?

a) no



256. Has your country encouraged and developed methods of cooperation for thedevelopment and use of technologies, including indigenous and traditionaltechnologies, in pursuance of the objectives of this Convention (18(4))?

a) no



d) methods in place

68

257. Does such cooperation include the training of personnel and exchange of experts(18(4))?

a) no



258. Has your country promoted the establishment of joint research programmes andjoint ventures for the development of technologies relevant to the objectives of theConvention (18(5))?

a) no



Decision II/3, Decision III/4 and Decision IV/2. Clearing HouseMechanism

259. Is your country cooperating in the development and operation of the ClearingHouse Mechanism?

a) no

b) yes X

260. Is your country helping to develop national capabilities through exchanging anddisseminating information on experiences and lessons learned in implementing theConvention?

a) no

b) yes - limited extent X


261. Has your country designated a national focal point for the Clearing-HouseMechanism?

a) no

b) yes X

262. Is your country providing resources for the development and implementation ofthe Clearing-House Mechanism?

a) no

b) yes, at the national level X

c) yes, at national and international levels

263. Is your country facilitating and participating in workshops and other expertmeetings to further the development of the CHM at international levels?

a) no X

b) participation only

c) supporting some meetings and participating

69

264. Is your CHM operational

a) no

b) under development X

c) yes (please give details below)

265. Is your CHM linked to the Internet

a) no X

b) yes

266. Has your country established a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary CHMsteering committee or working group at the national level?

a) no X

b) yes

Decision V/14. Scientific and technical co-operation and theclearinghouse mechanisms (Article 18)

267. Has your country reviewed the priorities identified in Annex I to the decision,and sought to implement them?

a) not reviewed X

b) reviewed but not implemented

c) reviewed and implemented as appropriate

Further comments on implementation of these Articles

Several institutes in Sri Lanka are promoting bitechnology research onbiodiversity.

70

Article 19 Handling of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits






Priority for the implementation of this article is also high although financial,manpower and equipments and chemicals have affected the implementation of the article.

270. Has your country taken measures to provide for the effective participation inbiotechnological research activities by those Contracting Parties which provide thegenetic resources for such research (19(1))?

a) no measures X




If so, are these measures:

a) Legislation

b) Statutory policy and subsidiary legislation

c) Policy and administrative measures

271. Has your country taken all practicable measures to promote and advance priorityaccess on a fair and equitable basis by Contracting Parties to the results andbenefits arising from biotechnologies based upon genetic resources provided by thoseContracting Parties (19(2))?

a) no measures




71

Decision IV/3. Issues related to biosafety and Decision V/1. Work Planof the Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on

Biosafety

272. Is your country a Contracting Party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety?

a) not a signatory

b) signed, ratification in progress X

c) instrument of ratification deposited


The biotechnology research in Sri Lanka is carried out in the field ofagriculture to accelerate production through high yielding varieties.

Sri Lanka is a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety.Ratification has delayed, as there are no domestic laws for ratification.

Technical committees have been set up by Ministry of Forestry and Environmentto formulate a code of ethics for biosafety in biotechnology and biosafetyguidelines. Draft Biosafety guidelines for Sri Lanka have been developed withthe assistance of the technical committee on biosafety.

72

Article 20 Financial resources






275. Has your country provided financial support and incentives in respect of thosenational activities which are intended to achieve the objectives of the Convention(20(1))?

a) no

b) yes – incentives only

c) yes – financial support only X

d) yes – financial support and incentives


276. Has your country provided new and additional financial resources to enabledeveloping country Parties to meet the agreed incremental costs to them ofimplementing measures which fulfil the obligations of the Convention, as agreedbetween you and the interim financial mechanism (20(2))?

a) no

b) yes

If a developing country Party or Party with economy in transition –

277. Has your country received new and additional financial resources to enable youto meet the agreed full incremental costs of implementing measures which fulfil theobligations of the Convention (20(2))?

a) no

b) yes X

73


278. Has your country provided financial resources related to implementation of theConvention through bilateral, regional and other multilateral channels (20(3))?


279. Has your country used financial resources related to implementation of theConvention from bilateral, regional and other multilateral channels (20(3))?

a) no

b) yes X

Decision III/6. Additional financial resources

280. Is your country working to ensure that all funding institutions (includingbilateral assistance agencies) are striving to make their activities more supportiveof the Convention?

a) no



281. Is your country cooperating in any efforts to develop standardized informationon financial support for the objectives of the Convention?

a) no X

b) yes (please attach information)

Decision V/11. Additional financial resources

282. Has your country established a process to monitor financial support tobiodiversity?

a) no X

b) procedures being established


283. Are details available of your country’s financial support to nationalbiodiversity activities?

a) no

b) not in a standardized format X


284. Are details available of your country’s financial support to biodiversityactivities in other countries?

a) not applicable X

b) no

c) not in a standardized format

d) yes (please provide details)

74

Developed country Parties -

285. Does your country promote support for the implementation of the objectives ofthe Convention in the funding policy of its bilateral funding institutions and thoseof regional and multilateral funding institutions?

a) no

b) yes

Developing country Parties -

286. Does your country discuss ways and means to support implementation of theobjectives of the Convention in its dialogue with funding institutions?

a) no

b) yes X

287. Has your country compiled information on the additional financial supportprovided by the private sector?

a) no X

b) yes (please provide details)

288. Has your country considered tax exemptions in national taxation systems forbiodiversity-related donations?

a) no X

b) not appropriate to national conditions

c) exemptions under development

d) exemptions in place


Priority to implementation of article 21 is high. Although the country hasworked to strengthen the existing institutions to provide financial resourcesfor the conservation and sustainable use, the present financial crisis of thecountry have hampered the effective implementation of this article. As aresult of limited governemnt budget, environmental issues received very lowpriority.

However, biodiversity conservation proposals for actions have been identifiedby the Ministry of Forestry and Environment and published in BiodiversityConservation Action Plan. Success of implementation of these actions mainlydepends on successful international/regional cooperation. The countryalready prepared GEF Strategy.

75

Article 21 Financial mechanism






291. Has your country worked to strengthen existing financial institutions toprovide financial resources for the conservation and sustainable use of biologicaldiversity?

a) no

b) yes X

Decision III/7. Guidelines for the review of the effectiveness of thefinancial mechanism

292. Has your country provided information on experiences gained through activitiesfunded by the financial mechanism?

a) no activities

b) no, although there are activities

c) yes, within the previous national report X

d) yes, through case-studies

e) yes, through other means (please give details below)


Financing mechanism for biodiversity activities in Sri Lanka is supported bystate (to limited extent) and foreign contributions to the projects.

76

Article 23 Conference of the Parties

293. How many people from your country participated in each of the meetings of theConference of the Parties?

a) COP 1 (Nassau) 2

b) COP 2 (Jakarta) 2

c) COP 3 (Buenos Aires) 2

d) COP 4 (Bratislava) 3

e) COP 5 (Nairobi) 2

Decision I/6, Decision II/10, Decision III/24 and Decision IV/17.Finance and budget

294. Has your country paid all of its contributions to the Trust Fund?

a) no

b) yes X

(except 2001)

Decision IV/16 (part) Preparation for meetings of the Conference of theParties

295. Has your country participated in regional meetings focused on discussingimplementation of the Convention before any meetings of the Conference of the Parties?

a) no X

b) yes (please specify which)

If a developed country Party –

296. Has your country funded regional and sub-regional meetings to prepare for theCOP, and facilitated the participation of developing countries in such meetings?

a) no

b) yes (please provide details below)

Decision V/22. Budget for the programme of work for the biennium 2001-2002

297. Did your country pay its contribution to the core budget (BY Trust Fund) for2001 by 1st January 2001?

a) yes in advance

b) yes on time

c) no but subsequently paid

d) not yet paid X

77

298. Has your country made additional voluntary contributions to the trust funds ofthe Convention?

a) yes in the 1999-2000 biennium

b) yes for the 2001-2002 biennium

c) expect to do so for the 2001-2002 biennium

d) no X


Article 24 Secretariat

299. Has your country provided direct support to the Secretariat in terms ofseconded staff, financial contribution for Secretariat activities, etc?

a) no x

b) yes


The focal point is expecting to establish biodiversity secretariat foreffective coordination of biodiversity related programmes, and also to act asa responsible body for BD secretary.

Article 25 Subsidiary body on scientific, technical and technologicaladvice

300. How many people from your country participated in each of the meetings ofSBSTTA?

a) SBSTTA I (Paris) 1

b) SBSTTA II (Montreal) 1

c) SBSTTA III (Montreal) 1

d) SBSTTA IV (Montreal) 1

e) SBSTTA V (Montreal) 2


Pre SBSTTA workshops were conducted to obtain recommendations from experts,professionals and NGOs in the field of biodiversity to prepare a report to bepresented at the SBSSTA.

78

Article 26 Reports

301. What is the status of your first national report?

a) Not submitted

b) Summary report submitted

c) Interim/draft report submitted

d) Final report submitted X

If b), c) or d), was your report submitted:

by the original deadline of 1.1.98 (Decision III/9)? X

by the extended deadline of 31.12.98 (Decision IV/14)?

Later (please specify date)

Decision IV/14 National reports

302. Did all relevant stakeholders participate in the preparation of this nationalreport, or in the compilation of information used in the report?

a) no

b) yes X

303. Has your country taken steps to ensure that its first and/or second nationalreport(s) is/are available for use by relevant stakeholders?

a) no

b) yes X

If yes, was this by:

a) informal distribution? X

b) publishing the report?

c) making the report available on request? X

d) posting the report on the Internet?

Decision V/19. National reporting

304. Has your country prepared voluntary detailed thematic reports on one or more ofthe items for in-depth consideration at an ordinary meeting of the parties, followingthe guidelines provided?

a) no

b) yes – forest ecosystems

c) yes – alien species X

d) yes – benefit sharing

79


The first national report has been submitted to the secretariat by theoriginal deadline. This report was prepared through literature survey, fieldratification and cooperation with governmental and non-governmentalstakeholders. The national report is available for stakeholders on request.A detailed thematic report on alien species was also submitted to thesecretariat and available on the internet.

This second national report will be interactively discussed on 8th June 2001with a broader spectrum of stakeholders to identify problems ofimplementation of each article. Following this discussion, the secondnational report on the status of biodiversity will be published for use byrelevant stakeholders.

80

Decision V/6. Ecosystem approach

305. Is your country applying the ecosystem approach, taking into account theprinciples and guidance contained in the annex to decision V/6?

a) no

b) under consideration X

c) some aspects are being applied

d) substantially implemented

306. Is your country developing practical expressions of the ecosystem approach fornational policies and legislation and for implementation activities, with adaptationto local, national, and regional conditions, in particular in the context ofactivities developed within the thematic areas of the Convention?

a) no


c) some aspects are being applied

d) substantially implemented

307. Is your country identifying case studies and implementing pilot projects thatdemonstrate the ecosystem approach, and using workshops and other mechanisms toenhance awareness and share experience?

a) no X

b) case-studies identified

c) pilot projects underway

d) workshops planned/held

e) information available through CHM

308. Is your country strengthening capacities for implementation of the ecosystemapproach, and providing technical and financial support for capacity-building toimplement the ecosystem approach?

a) no X

b) yes within the country

c) yes including support to other Parties

309. Has your country promoted regional co-operation in applying the ecosystemapproach across national borders?

a) no X

b) informal co-operation

c) formal co-operation (please give details)

81

Inland water ecosystems

Decision IV/4. Status and trends of the biological diversity of inlandwater ecosystems and options for conservation and sustainable use

310. Has your country included information on biological diversity in wetlands whenproviding information and reports to the CSD, and considered including inland waterbiological diversity issues at meetings to further the recommendations of the CSD?

a) no

b) yes X

311. Has your country included inland water biological diversity considerations inits work with organizations, institutions and conventions affecting or working withinland water?

a) no

b) yes X

If a developing country Party or Party with economy in transition –

312. When requesting support for projects relating to inland water ecosystems fromthe GEF, has your country given priority to identifying important areas forconservation, preparing and implementing integrated watershed, catchment and riverbasin management plans, and investigating processes contributing to biodiversity loss?

a) no X

b) yes

313. Has your country reviewed the programme of work specified in annex 1 to thedecision, and identified priorities for national action in implementing the programme?

a) no

b) under review X

c) yes

Decision V/2. Progress report on the implementation of the programme ofwork on the biological diversity of inland water ecosystems

(implementation of decision IV/4)

314. Is your country supporting and/or participating in the River Basin Initiative?

a) no

b) yes X

315. Is your country gathering information on the status of inland water biologicaldiversity?

a) no

b) assessments ongoing X

c) assessments completed

316. Is this information available to other Parties?

a) no X

b) yes - national report

c) yes – through the CHM


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317. Has your country developed national and/or sectoral plans for the conservationand sustainable use of inland water ecosystems?

a) no

b) yes – national plans only X

c) yes – national plans and major sectors

d) yes – national plans and all sectors

318. Has your country implemented capacity-building measures for developing andimplementing these plans?

a) no

b) yes X

Decision III/21. Relationship of the Convention with the CSD andbiodiversity-related conventions

319. Is the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, and of migratory speciesand their habitats, fully incorporated into your national strategies, plans andprogrammes for conserving biological diversity?

a) no

b) yes X

Further comments on implementation of these decisions and theassociated programme of work

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Marine and coastal biological diversity

Decision II/10 and Decision IV/5. Conservation and sustainable use ofmarine and coastal biological diversity

320. Does your national strategy and action plan promote the conservation andsustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity?

a) no



321. Has your country established and/or strengthened institutional, administrativeand legislative arrangements for the development of integrated management of marineand coastal ecosystems?

a) no



d) arrangements in place

322. Has your country provided the Executive Secretary with advice and informationon future options concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine andcoastal biological diversity?

a) no X

b) yes

323. Has your country undertaken and/or exchanged information on demonstrationprojects as practical examples of integrated marine and coastal area management?

a) no

b) yes – previous national report

c) yes - case-studies

d) yes - other means (please give details below) X

324. Has your country programmes in place to enhance and improve knowledge on thegenetic structure of local populations of marine species subjected to stockenhancement and/or sea-ranching activities?

a) no X

b) programmes are being developed

c) programmes are being implemented for some species

d) programmes are being implemented for many species

e) not a perceived problem

325. Has your country reviewed the programme of work specified in an annex to thedecision, and identified priorities for national action in implementing the programme?

a) no X

b) under review

c) yes

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Decision V/3. Progress report on the implementation of the programme ofwork on marine and coastal biological diversity (implementation of

decision IV/5)

326. Is your country contributing to the implementation of the work plan on coralbleaching?

a) no

b) yes X

c) not relevant

327. Is your country implementing other measures in response to coral bleaching?

a) no

b) yes (please provide details below) X

c) not relevant

328. Has your country submitted case-studies on the coral bleaching phenomenon tothe Executive Secretary?

a) no X

b) yes

c) not relevant


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Agricultural biological diversity

Decision III/11 and Decision IV/6. Conservation and sustainable use ofagricultural biological diversity

329. Has your country identified and assessed relevant ongoing activities andexisting instruments at the national level?

a) no

b) early stages of review and assessment X

c) advanced stages of review and assessment

d) assessment completed

330. Has your country identified issues and priorities that need to be addressed atthe national level?

a) no

b) in progress

c) yes X

331. Is your country using any methods and indicators to monitor the impacts ofagricultural development projects, including the intensification and extensificationof production systems, on biological diversity?

a) no




332. Is your country taking steps to share experiences addressing the conservationand sustainable use of agricultural biological diversity?

a) no

b) yes – case-studies X

c) yes – other mechanisms (please specify)

333. Has your country conducted case-studies on the issues identified by SBSTTA: i)pollinators, ii) soil biota, and iii) integrated landscape management and farmingsystems?

a) no

b) yes – pollinators X

c) yes – soil biota X

d) yes – integrated landscape management and farming systems

334. Is your country establishing or enhancing mechanisms for increasing publicawareness and understanding of the importance of the sustainable use ofagrobiodiversity components?

a) no




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335. Does your country have national strategies, programmes and plans which ensurethe development and successful implementation of policies and actions that lead tosustainable use of agrobiodiversity components?

a) no




336. Is your country promoting the transformation of unsustainable agriculturalpractices into sustainable production practices adapted to local biotic and abioticconditions?

a) no



337. Is your country promoting the use of farming practices that not only increaseproductivity, but also arrest degradation as well as reclaim, rehabilitate, restoreand enhance biological diversity?

a) no



338. Is your country promoting mobilization of farming communities for thedevelopment, maintenance and use of their knowledge and practices in the conservationand sustainable use of biological diversity?

a) no

b) yes - limited extent X

c) yes - significant extent

339. Is your country helping to implement the Global Plan of Action for theConservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources?

a) no

b) yes X

340. Is your country collaborating with other Contracting Parties to identify andpromote sustainable agricultural practices and integrated landscape management?

a) no X

b) yes

Decision V/5. Agricultural biological diversity: review of phase I ofthe programme of work and adoption of a multi-year work programme

341. Has your country reviewed the programme of work annexed to the decision andidentified how you can collaborate in its implementation?

a) no X

b) yes

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342. Is your country promoting regional and thematic co-operation within thisframework of the programme of work on agricultural biological diversity?

a) no X

b) some co-operation

c) widespread co-operation

d) full co-operation in all areas

343. Has your country provided financial support for implementation of the programmeof work on agricultural biological diversity?

a) no

b) limited additional funds X

c) significant additional funds

If a developed country Party –

344. Has your country provided financial support for implementation of the programmeof work on agricultural biological diversity, in particular for capacity building andcase-studies, in developing countries and countries with economies in transition?

a) no

b) yes within existing cooperation programme(s)

b) yes, including limited additional funds

c) yes, with significant additional funds

345. Has your country supported actions to raise public awareness in support ofsustainable farming and food production systems that maintain agricultural biologicaldiversity?

a) no

b) yes, to a limited extent X

c) yes, to a significant extent

346. Is your country co-ordinating its position in both the Convention on BiologicalDiversity and the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources?

a) no

b) taking steps to do so X

c) yes

347. Is your country a Contracting Party to the Rotterdam Convention on the PriorInformed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides inInternational Trade?

a) not a signatory X

b) signed – ratification in process

c) instrument of ratification deposited

348. Is your country supporting the application of the Executive Secretary forobserver status in the Committee on Agriculture of the World Trade Organisation?

a) no

b) yes X

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349. Is your country collaborating with other Parties on the conservation andsustainable use of pollinators?

a) no X

b) yes

350. Is your country compiling case-studies and implementing pilot projects relevantto the conservation and sustainable use of pollinators?

a) no

b) yes (please provide details) X

351. Has information on scientific assessments relevant to genetic use restrictiontechnologies been supplied to other Contracting Parties through media such as theClearing-House Mechanism?

a) not applicable X

b) no

c) yes - national report

d) yes – through the CHM

e) yes – other means (please give details below)

352. Has your country considered how to address generic concerns regarding suchtechnologies as genetic use restriction technologies under international and nationalapproaches to the safe and sustainable use of germplasm?

a) no

b) yes – under consideration X

c) yes – measures under development

353. Has your country carried out scientific assessments on inter alia ecological,social and economic effects of genetic use restriction technologies?

a) no

b) some assessments X

c) major programme of assessments

354. Has your country disseminated the results of scientific assessments on interalia ecological, social and economic effects of genetic use restriction technologies?

a) no X

b) yes – through the CHM

c) yes – other means (please give details below)

355. Has your country identified the ways and means to address the potential impactsof genetic use restriction technologies on the in situ and ex situ conservation andsustainable use, including food security, of agricultural biological diversity?

a) no

b) some measures identified X


d) comprehensive review completed

89

356. Has your country assessed whether there is a need for effective regulations atthe national level with respect to genetic use restriction technologies to ensure thesafety of human health, the environment, food security and the conservation andsustainable use of biological diversity?

a) no

b) yes – regulation needed X

c) yes – regulation not needed (please give more details)

357. Has your country developed and applied such regulations taking into account,inter alia, the specific nature of variety-specific and trait-specific genetic userestriction technologies?

a) no X

b) yes – developed but not yet applied

c) yes – developed and applied

358. Has information about these regulations been made available to otherContracting Parties?

a) no X

b) yes – through the CHM

c) yes – other means (please give details below)


90

Forest biological diversity

Decision II/9 and Decision IV/7. Forest biological diversity

359. Has your country included expertise on forest biodiversity in its delegationsto the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests?

a) no

b) yes X

c) not relevant

360. Has your country reviewed the programme of work annexed to the decision andidentified how you can collaborate in its implementation?

a) no X

b) under review

c) yes

361. Has your country integrated forest biological diversity considerations in itsparticipation and collaboration with organizations, institutions and conventionsaffecting or working with forest biological diversity?

a) no



362. Does your country give high priority to allocation of resources to activitiesthat advance the objectives of the Convention in respect of forest biologicaldiversity?

a) no

b) yes X

For developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition -

363. When requesting assistance through the GEF, Is your country proposing projectswhich promote the implementation of the programme of work?

a) no

b) yes X

Decision V/4. Progress report on the implementation of the programme ofwork for forest biological diversity

364. Do the actions that your country is taking to address the conservation andsustainable use of forest biological diversity conform with the ecosystem approach?

a) no

b) yes X

365. Do the actions that your country is taking to address the conservation andsustainable use of forest biological diversity take into consideration the outcome ofthe fourth session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests?

a) no X

b) yes

91

366. Will your country contribute to the future work of the UN Forum on Forests?

a) no

b) yes X

367. Has your country provided relevant information on the implementation of thiswork programme?

a) no X

b) yes – submission of case-studies

c) yes – thematic national report submitted


368. Has your country integrated national forest programmes into its nationalbiodiversity strategies and action plans applying the ecosystem approach andsustainable forest management?

a) no



369. Has your country undertaken measures to ensure participation by the forestsector, private sector, indigenous and local communities and non-governmentalorganisations in the implementation of the programme of work?

a) no

b) yes – some stakeholders X

c) yes – all stakeholders

370. Has your country taken measures to strengthen national capacities includinglocal capacities, to enhance the effectiveness and functions of forest protected areanetworks, as well as national and local capacities for implementation of sustainableforest management, including restoration?

a) no

b) some programmes covering some needs X

c) many programmes covering some needs

d) programmes cover all perceived needs

e) no perceived need

371. Has your country taken measures to implement the proposals for action of theIntergovernmental Forum on Forests and the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests onvaluation of forest goods and services?

a) no


c) measures taken

92

Biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands

Decision V/23. Consideration of options for conservation andsustainable use of biological diversity in dryland, Mediterranean,

arid, semi-arid, grassland and savannah ecosystems

372. Has your country reviewed the programme of work annexed to the decision andidentified how you will implement it?

a) no X

b) under review

c) yes

373. Is your country supporting scientifically, technically and financially, at thenational and regional levels, the activities identified in the programme of work?

a) no X



374. Is your country fostering cooperation for the regional or subregionalimplementation of the programme among countries sharing similar biomes?

a) no X



Further comments on implementation of these Decisions and theassociated programme of work

93

Decision V/20. Operations of the Convention

375. Does your country take into consideration gender balance, involvement ofindigenous people and members of local communities, and the range of relevantdisciplines and expertise, when nominating experts for inclusion in the roster?

a) no

b) yes X

376. Has you country actively participated in subregional and regional activities inorder to prepare for Convention meetings and enhance implementation of the Convention?

a) no



377. Has your country undertaken a review of national programmes and needs relatedto the implementation of the Convention and, if appropriate, informed the ExecutiveSecretary?

a) no

b) under way X

c) yes

94

Please use this box to identify what specific activities your countryhas carried out as a DIRECT RESULT of becoming a Contracting Party tothe Convention, referring back to previous questions as appropriate:

Please use this box to identify joint initiatives with other Parties,referring back to previous questions as appropriate:

95

Please use this box to provide any further comments on matters relatedto national implementation of the Convention:

The wording of these questions is based on the Articles of theConvention and the decisions of the Conference of the Parties. Pleaseprovide information on any difficulties that you have encountered in

interpreting the wording of these questions

96

If your country has completed its national biodiversity strategy andaction plan (NBSAP), please give the following information:

Date of completion: 1998

If the NBSAP has been adopted by the Government

By which authority? Ministry of Forestry and Environment

On what date? April 1998

If the NBSAP has been published please give

Title: Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka:A Framework for Action

Name and address of publisher: Ministry of Forestry and Environment

Sampathpaya

Rajamalwatte Road

Battaramulla

Sri Lanka

ISBN: 955-9120-03-4

Price (if applicable): English – Free of charge

Sinhala – Rs. 250.00 per copy (but freefor NGOs and Schools)

Other information on ordering: Request from Ministry of Forestry andEnvironment.

If the NBSAP has not been published

Please give full details of howcopies can be obtained

-

If the NBSAP has been posted on a national website

Please give full URL: Under constrution

If the NBSAP has been lodged with an Implementing Agency of the GEF

Please indicate which agency: Funding: GEF

Technical assistance: IUCN

Has a copy of the NBSAP been lodged with the Convention Secretariat?

Yes X No

97

Please provide similar details if you have completed a BiodiversityCountry Study or another report or action plan relevant to the

objectives of this Convention

Please provide details of any national body (e.g. national auditoffice) that has or will review the implementation of the Convention in

your country

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