CHM - ORTSri Lanka has set aside nearly 30% of its terrestrial, and inland waters as protected areas. However, the protected area network does not fully represent the critical biodiversity elements of Sri Lanka as the southwestern part of Sri Lanka, which harbors more than 75% of the endemic species are poorly represented and the protected areas in this region are highly fragmented. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase the area available for biodiversity in the southwestern part of the country as well as find ways to enhance connectivity through mainstreaming OECMs and other national approaches. Even though Sri Lanka has an ocean that is eight-times the size of Sri Lanka, only a small fraction of the coastal and marine areas is protected at present. Therefore, the aim of this target is to increase the area available for critical species, increase the protected area coverage in the coastal and marine areas and ensure that existing protected areas are managed at the optimal level in consistent with the conservation objectives for which they were established.
Update the protected area gap analysis and implement a strategy to protect the critical habitats outside the PA network
Existing PA network is managed effectively to achieve identified conservation goals, connectivity of PAs and true representation of the island’s biodiversity
Carry out an assessment of the coastal and marine sector and identify and designate the areas that need to be protected
Establish the legal and policy framework for Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and declare and manage OECMs on land, inland waters and marine areas
Identify, declare and manage ecosystems of special importance
| Global Targets | Degree of Alignment |
GBF-T03. 30% of areas are effectively conserved GBF-T03. 30% of areas are effectively conservedEnsure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial, inland water, and of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative, well-connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, recognizing indigenous and traditional territories where applicable, and integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes and the ocean, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, including over their traditional territories. | High |
Aim of this target is to ensure that critical biodiversity elements of the country are protected and conserved to provide maximal benefits to people and planet. This will require a collective effort of all citizens as well as innovative and science-based approach to identify and manage ecosystems that represent critical biodiversity elements. This will also ensure that principles and objectives of three Rio conventions will be achieved without compromising the right to development.
Conservation of at least 30% of the important terrestrial and 10% of the marine ecosystems of Sri Lanka
Ensuring that the critical biodiversity elements are protected, and the ecological connectivity is maintained through protected areas, OECMs and other national approaches
Ensuring that the existing protected areas are effectively managed to achieve the conservation goals for which they were established
Private sector, civil society organizations and the general public will play a major role in achieving this target through active involvement in mainstreaming conservation approaches such as other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and effective management of natural habitats located within privately held land.
The implementation will be through the Ministry of Environment mainly through its main line agencies such as Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest department, Central Environmental Authority and other private sector and civil society stakeholders. The main challenge expected is establishing the framework and declaring OECMs within a short period of time as this is a key approach that will help achieve this target.
One of the key approaches to achieving this target is mainstreaming OECMs, which has already been initiated by the Ministry of Environment.