IUCN - The World Conversation Union

They were met by the Director General of IUCN, Ms. Julia Marton-Lefevre, Deputy Director General, Dr. William Jackson, Mr. Mohammed Rafiq, Head, Business and Biodiversity Programme, Shiranee Yasaratne, IUCN’s Country Representative in Sri Lanka and other senior staff of the organization.

The Dilmah Group is one of the world’s largest non-alcoholic beverages companies, and is active in production, processing and marketing of tea as its core business. The MJF Charitable Foundation, an NGO and recognized Charity, works with underprivileged persons in Sri Lanka.

IUCN Sri Lanka entered into a partnership with the MJF Group in 2003. This resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations on agreed work streams: Ecosystems and Livelihoods, Gender and Environment and Species Conservation - supporting IUCN’s efforts of conserving threatened and endangered species emerging from the Red Listing Process. As a consequence of this partnership, IUCN has been successful in facilitating the establishment of Dilmah Conservation – the first conservation arm of a private sector corporate entity.

The Dilmah team discussed experiences gained in Sri lanka on integrating an environmental dimension to is work and expressed hope that the partnership could be expanded to a global level. Mr Merril Fernando stated that he was very happy with the association between his organisation and IUCN and was appreciative of the collaborative work done. The Director General of IUCN appreciated the efforts of Dilmah Conservation and the MJF Foundation in supporting and nurturing its Business and Biodiversity Programme in Asia and stated that the innovative initiatives and results of the partnership will be show cased in IUCN’s work worldwide.

Mr. Merrill J. Fernando’s efforts were recognised by IUCN for the positive contribution his company has made in integrating environment and livelihoods enhancement for the betterment of communities dependent on natural resources and for the pioneering work carried out, recognising the need and opportunities for mainstreaming and integrating environmental aspects in businesses.
 

Staff of IUCN Sri Lanka invited its private sector partners to an evening with them on December 11, 2007 to discuss business opportunities arising from the National Red List which was launched recently. This informal evening was held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

CEOs and senior management of selected private sector organizations discussed with IUCN on some specific opportunities arising from the Red List. A video documentary on the status of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and the impending challenges and threats posed set the scene for the evening. Dr. Channa Bambaradeniya, Coordinator, Regional Species Conservation Programme (RSCP), IUCN Asia, made a thought provoking presentation on the findings of the Red List and potential opportunities for the private sector to address some of the issues arising from it. An information pack containing seven areas of business initiatives related to the Red List for the private sector was handed over to the participants along with a copy of the Red List.

Mrs. Shiranee Yasaratne, IUCN Sri Lanka Country Representative facilitated the sharing of experience by corporate partners of IUCN including those from the Dilmah Group of Companies, Jetwing Hotels, and from the Best Corporate Citizen’s Award Winners Hayleys Limited and John Keells Holdings. Mr. Dilhan Fernando, Director, Marketing of Dilmah shared his experience of using information from the threatened list in the Koulara pottery project being implemented by the Company. Mr. Hiran Cooray, Deputy Chairman of Jetwing Hotels pledged that he would take this programme to a wider audience through the Sri Lanka Hoteliers Association.


The Corporate Leaders present pledged their support to the establishment of an environmental business leaders forum modeled on IUCN’s Leaders for Nature Initiative. The constituents of the business leaders forum would commit and collaborate with IUCN on specific initiatives. Mr. Dilhan Fernando committed support to the development of a consumer-friendly website outlining the importance of communicating the message to the widest audience possible.
 
IUCN considers this evening to have been a grand success as it showcases the commitment of Sri Lanka’s private sector in championing conservation initiatives for the benefit of future generations.

The 2007 Red List of Threatened Fauna and Flora of Sri Lanka was launched on the 21st of November 2007 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo by the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources; Honorable Patali Champika Ranawaka and the Country Representative of IUCN Sri Lanka, Mrs. Shiranee Yasaratne. In their introductory addresses, the Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. M.A.R.D. Jayatilake, and Mrs. Yasaratne provided a background of the project from its inception in mid 2004. Accordingly, that year, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the Biodiversity Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MOENR), initiated this joint project to gather information on indigenous fauna and flora in Sri Lanka and to assess their conservation status using the IUCN Global Red List criteria. During the assessment process, all groups of terrestrial vertebrate species, a few groups of invertebrates (butterflies, dragonflies, land snails, crabs, theraphosid spiders) and nearly one third of the flowering plants in Sri Lanka were evaluated. The project was closely monitored by the National Species Conservation Advisory Group (NSCAG) and the lists of threatened species were reviewed by expert teams consisting of researchers, naturalists and taxonomists. Additionally, in her speech, Mrs. Yasaratne highlighted the fact that the IUCN Red List has “an increasingly prominent role in the conservation activities of governments, NGOs and scientific institutions” within the country.

The findings of the 2007 Red List, which were clearly presented by Dr. Channa Bambaradeniya of IUCN, indicate that 21 species of endemic amphibians and 72 of the 1099 plant species evaluated could be considered Extinct, while 223 species of terrestrial vertebrates, 157 species of selected inland invertebrates and the 675 plant species evaluated can be categorized as Nationally Threatened. Of the threatened animals, 62% of vertebrates and 61% of plants are endemic to Sri Lanka and thus deserve extra attention. In addition, among the vertebrate fauna, the highest number of threatened species was recorded from the reptiles (56 or 25%), followed by amphibians, birds, mammals and freshwater fish respectively.

In terms of their relative numbers, one in every two species of mammals and amphibians, one in every three species of reptiles and freshwater fish and one in every five species of birds in the island are currently facing the risk of becoming threatened in the wild.

Due to the lack of sufficient distribution data within Sri Lanka, ten freshwater fish species, three amphibian species, 47 species of reptiles, seven species of birds and seven species of mammals were included in the Data Deficient category. Among the invertebrate species assessed, two theraphosid spider species, 29 butterfly species, 184 species of land snails and nearly 5% ,(55 species), of the evaluated plant species were also listed under the Data Deficient category. This lack of data highlights the need for further research of less well known species.

Geographically, districts in the lowland wet zone (i.e. Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kalutara and Kegalle) and the central highlands (Kandy, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Badulla) tended to harbour a higher number of threatened taxa. These districts include extremely vulnerable tropical forest ecosystems such as lowland rain forests, lower montane forests and upper montane forests, which occupy less than four percent of the land area of Sri Lanka.

The Hon. Minister highlighted that the loss of these natural habitats, due to their alteration and fragmentation, is by far the most serious threat to a majority of the species evaluated in the Red List. Prior to the close of his speech, he pledged his commitment to include the findings of the Red List into all species conservation strategies and reduce current rates of loss throughout the island. Mrs. Yasaratne summed this up by stating: “The rate of biodiversity loss is increasing and we need to act now to significantly reduce it and stave off this extinction crisis”.

In his vote of thanks, Gamini Gamage the, Director of the Biodiversity Secretariat gratefully acknowledged the donors, the Asian Development Bank (through the Protected Area Management & Wildlife Conservation Project) and the Royal Netherlands Embassy for their continued support. In addition, special recognition was given to the individuals and organisations involved, for their dedication and hard work that will help conserve threatened species for future generations.

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) in partnership with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) launched the ‘National Wetland Directory of Sri Lanka’ with the support of funding from the Royal Netherlands Embassy amidst a distinguished gathering at the auditorium of the CEA on the 05th of March 2007. The guest of honour on this occasion was the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Champika Ranawaka.

The keynote address, delivered by Prof. S.W. Kotagama of Colombo University highlighted the current status of wetlands in Sri Lanka and the conservation attempts made to date, while Dr. Channa Bambaradeniya of IUCN provided an overview on the preparation of the publication and its applications. Addressing the audience, the Hon. Minister spoke briefly about his vision for Sri Lanka and his commitment towards the protection of the environment.

The vote of thanks, delivered by Asha de Vos of IUCN reiterated the important role this publication will play in the future management of wetlands in Sri Lanka and also emphasized IUCN’s interest to continue supporting activities of this nature and collaborating in such nationally significant ventures into the future.

The National Wetland Directory of Sri Lanka, a publication prepared jointly by the IUCN, CEA and IWMI contains a description of the biodiversity, socioeconomic status and conservation status of 62 selected wetlands across Sri Lanka. Each of the sites is illustrated with 2 colour print GIS maps based on land use and Ramsar classification providing an overview of the site and its surroundings. This is accompanied by a site narrative which lists details about location, area, altitude, physical and ecological features, noteworthy fauna and flora, land use and possible changes, hydrological, biophysical, social and cultural values, scientific research and monitoring, conservation education, conservation measures taken and proposed, recreation and tourism activities, disturbances and threats, land tenure, and management authority and jurisdiction.

IUCN has setup a District Environmental Information Center (DEIC) at the District Secretariat of Hambantota. This is one of the five DEICs that have been planned to be established in the tsunami-affected districts of Sri Lanka by IUCN. The DEIC was financially supported by a grant provided to IUCN Sri Lanka programme by the Royal Netherlands Embassy of Sri Lanka on Building Capacity to Integrate Environmental Aspects into Reconstruction.

To support the Government of Sri Lanka in its efforts to promote coordination and dialogue among agencies on environmental issues and to facilitate overall integration of environmental considerations at the District level development planning, IUCN has setup a District Environmental Information Center (DEIC) at the District Secretariat of Hambantota. This is one of the five DEICs which have been planned to be established in the tsunami-affected districts of Sri Lanka by IUCN. The DEIC was financially supported by a grant provided to IUCN Sri Lanka programme by the Royal Netherlands Embassy of Sri Lanka on Building Capacity to Integrate Environmental Aspects into Reconstruction.  

DEIC provides access to the latest information on environmental management of national interest through its Environmental Library (EL) and computerized Environmental Information Base (EIB). The main target group of the DEIC is the Governmental Officials who are involved in planning and designing of developmental and nature conservation programmes.

EIB is supported by a high-end computer and other peripherals with the facility of downloading environmental information, with the option of operating in a web based environment. The reading material find in the EL includes that of environment related policies, strategies, action plans, best practice guidelines, and numerous other documents published by various Government Agencies involved in the management of the environment. DEIC provides the much needed information on rehabilitation of ecosystems, and strengthening of livelihoods that are based on the natural resources.

 The need of a DEIC was envisaged after numerous organizations started launching rapid and massive post tsunami reconstruction and livelihood rehabilitation programs aimed at rebuilding the life’s of the tsunami-affected people after the unprecedented destruction caused by the tsunami in December 2004,. It has been observed that integration of environmental concerns into such development efforts was minimal. Ground level implementation often violated existing environmental regulations and laws and did not conform to standard environmental procedures and policy objectives set forth by the government authorities. Interventions such as regeneration of the coastal vegetation were very often carried out without proper technical guidance. This situation has led to further deterioration of fragile ecosystems already impacted by the tsunami.

This was indeed an eye opener for the planners reminding them of the need for prudent integration of environmental considerations into the rebuilding processes. The result was the establishment of the DEIC to support such efforts.

In order to setup the DEIC facility, the District Secretariat has provided space and personnel and also setup a mechanism for the center to function. On the 8th of December 2006, the first DEIC was declared open at Hambantota District Secretariat by Dr.A.Nishat, the Country Representative of IUCN Bangladesh. This facility will have the potential for further development with the help of other funding sources. IUCN SL will establish similar Centres in Galle, Matara, Ampara and Batticaloa District Secretariats within next couple of weeks.

For more information contact Shamen Vidanage of IUCN Sri Lanka programme (spv@iucnsl.org) .
 

The World Conservation Union in partnership with the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka launched The Raising Environmental Consciousness in Society (RECS) Project amidst a distinguished gathering of  stakeholders, at a grand ceremony held on December 12, 2006 at the Colombo Hilton. The guests of honour on this occasion were, Mr. Ferdinand Lahnstein, Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Netherlands Embassy and Mr.Merrill J Fernando, Chairman, MJF Group of Companies.

Welcoming the gathering, Mrs. Shiranee Yasaratne, Country Representative of the World Conservation Union stated that IUCN was privileged to be a part of this Project which focuses on Raising Environmental Consciousness amongst three key stakeholder groups, namely the private sector, local communities, and decision-makers.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ferdinand Lahnstein , stated that a main area of focus of the bi-lateral aid programme of the Netherlands Government in Sri Lanka was focused on strengthening  public private partnerships. He urged the private sector to use this opportunity to enhance their corporate social responsibility working on conservation and sustainability issues.

Mr. Merrill J Fernando, the Chairman of the MJF Group, representing the private sector stated that he was encouraged that corporates were increasingly getting involved in social responsibility issues. Quoting well known environmentalists and development experts, he used examples from his own personal business to illustrate the points made. He specifically highlighted the importance of preserving the integrity of ecosystems and their services that enable poor people to overcome poverty in order for businesses to be successful.

  Mr. Anshuman Saikia, Programe Coordinator of IUCN briefed participants on the aims and objectives of the project and the progress made during the inception phase. He also outlined the steps expected to be taken in the future and the overall reforms to be achieved during the 3 year implementation phase of the project.

Zonta Club of Colombo awarded Mrs Shiranee Yasaratne, IUCN's Country Representative in Sri Lanka , the coveted title of Women of Achievement in Environment for the year 2006, for her untiring efforts towards the conservation of the environment in Sri Lanka.

With an outstanding record of achievements for the past twenty-five years in the conservation arena in Sri Lanka , she accepted the award at the 9 th Zonta Women of Achievement Awards ceremony held at the Oak Room of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on 27 th of November 2006.

Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women. Zonta International is in 70 countries with more than 34,000 members in over 1,200 Clubs.