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Sri Lanka 30 X 30
Conservation and Prosperity:
For Nature and People
Sri Lanka 30 X 30
Conservation and Prosperity:
For Nature and People
Introduction of program
Sri Lanka, known for its rich landscapes and diverse ecosystems, is at a pivotal moment for conservation and sustainable development. As the nation works towards economic and social recovery, there is a unique opportunity to harmonize conservation efforts with community livelihoods, leveraging best practices and investments.
The Sri Lankan government is leading this effort through a program called Sri Lanka 30x30, which focuses on both preserving nature and supporting local communities dependent on these resources. These initiatives aim to balance development with conservation through science-based approaches and effective management, aligning with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), also known as the 30x30 targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The Presidential Secretariat is spearheading this effort, coordinating with line ministries and departments to design and implement nine high-impact projects. Backed by a rigorous fact base, these projects are set to accelerate Sri Lanka's transition to green growth and sustainable development while fostering additional similar initiatives
Sri Lanka is blessed with incredible natural capital...
One of the 35 biodiversity hotspots of the world
Home to 4,350 species,
of which 18% endemic to
Sri Lanka
Home to iconic megafauna, like the Asian elephant, residential blue whales
and Asian leopards
More than half of the country covered by trees
...and biodiversity conservation is a critical part of our green economic recovery
Vision
Swift economic recovery for the country, by building a green economy that uses our country’s resources in a sustainable manner and safeguards prosperity for future generations
For our biodiversity and environment
Meeting the commitments made under the Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030
Delivering against our NDCs and achieving net zero by 2040
For our people
Green jobs and livelihoods
A safe and healthy living environment
International support
Nutritious foods
A prosperous future
We have always worked to protect
our unique biodiversity...
13%
of Sri Lanka’s land area is protected through e.g., national parks, reserves and sanctuaries
UN flagship
restoration program of 500 hectares of mangroves, one of seven flagship programs in the world
~100 years
of ongoing programs to protect the Asian elephant, of which Sri Lanka is home to ~15% of the global population
...and with good reason
Sri Lanka’s people depend greatly on its natural resources:
2.5 Mn
people depend on fishing as their main source of income
5%
of GDP comes from tourism
~30%
of electricity is generated
from rivers
However, we want to do more
Highlights of planned projects and aspirations
Increase protected areas on land from 31% to 35%
Ensure better protection of critical ecosystems e.g., increase protection in the wet zone from 9% to 15%
Restore degraded habitats i.e., ~4% of Sri Lanka’s surface area
Improve human-wildlife
co-existence
Improve the health and productivity of river systems safeguarding habitats of ~20% of Sri Lanka’s species
Enhance marine conservation to protect ecosystems, sustain fish stocks, and safeguard megafauna
Our 9 priority nature conservation projects
Our 9 priority nature conserv-ation projects
Program Sponsors
Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka
Chief of Staff, Presidential Secretariat
The Global Biodiversity Framework transcends mere restoration of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage; it embodies a transformative initiative poised to elevate eco-tourism, generate green employment, and attract sustainable development funding, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous Sri Lanka
Hon. Ruwan Wijewardena
Senior Advisor to the President on
Climate Change
We must join forces in a resolute effort to restore and protect Sri Lanka’s most invaluable treasure: our natural heritage. It is imperative for us as a nation to understand that safeguarding our environment is not merely essential but pivotal to rejuvenating our economy. The Global Biodiversity Framework stands as a critical remedy in this endeavor
Message from Program Lead
Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri
Advisor to the President on Environment, Climate Change and Green Finance
Ananda Mallawatantri is a professional in sustainability, international development, and science-based programming. Ananda held notable positions as USAID Country Director for Environment and Energy, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative for Environment and Disaster Resilience and Country Representative of International Union for Conservation of Nature. Currently he is the Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Environment, Climate Change and Green Finance. Dr. Mallawatantri holds a BS Degree in Chemistry and Diploma in Business Administration from University of Colombo, Masters in Environment Science and PhD in Soil Physics from Washington State University in USA.
Forward...
Sri Lanka is in the process of recovering from the negative impacts of COVID-19 and the global economic downturn, while also addressing climate change challenges. The debt sustainability challenge the country faces requires an export-oriented, low-carbon growth agenda combined with Blue-Green Conservation. The country aims to achieve developed nation status by 2048, reach net zero emissions before that time, and become a model for sharing lessons with the Global South
This overarching goal includes transforming the way the country treats and manages its natural capital in a changing climate. Sri Lanka has embarked on an accelerated digitalization drive while capitalizing on its neutral geopolitical and geographic position in the Indian Ocean to support the envisaged change. The urgent needs include developing well-structured, investor-friendly projects and implementing transparent management effectiveness tracking methods. In this process, Sri Lanka intends to use the provisions of the Paris Agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework (commonly known as 30x30), and the EU Green Deal to attract the much-needed investments
In this context, we appreciate the technical and strategic support provided by stakeholders. After extensive consultations, field visits, and focusing on the country’s priorities in environmental, social, and governance areas, the Sri Lankan agencies, led by the Presidential Secretariat and with significant contributions from these stakeholders, are now ready to present the first set of projects to a potential partner audience. We look forward to collaborating to ensure the success of these initiatives. We thank everyone who contributed to this process and trust that today’s presentations will enhance resource mobilization and partnership development needed to operationalize the projects. This process and the tools employed could serve as an example of how projects can be compiled attractively, showcasing the potential of utilizing nature, culture, and heritage resources for sustainable development.
Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri,
Advisor to the President on Environment, Climate Change and Green Finance
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Sri Lanka’s 30x30 program will require a cross-societal approach
The President's office will oversee the successful delivery of the Sri Lanka 30x30 program
Sri Lanka’s 30x30 program is run as a whole-of government effort
These projects, requiring an estimated USD 1.5+ billion in funding by 2030...
...aim to significantly advance Sri Lanka’s conservation efforts, delivering both ecological and socio-economic benefits
The projects will require an estimated
USD 1.4+ Bn in funding by 2030
Key milestones until 2030
Key milestones until 2030
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