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Sri Lanka30 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

1

Wet zone

Increase wet zone protection by 68,000 hectares, raising the protection coverage from 9% to 15%

2

Dry zone

Halt forest loss in the dry zone and increase protection by ~142,000 hectares

3

Restore forests and mangrove habitats

Restore 220,000 hectares of degraded forest and 3,000 hectares of mangrove habitats

4

PA tourism revenues

Sustainably develop and enhance protected area tourism to fund better management

5

Human-elephant conflict

Improve human-elephant co-existence to minimize deaths and crop loss

6

Rivers

Improve the health and productivity of river systems, starting with the Kelani river basin

7

Marine protection

Enhance conservation of marine ecosystems for the benefit of nature and people

8

Fishing

Strengthen sustainable fishery management practices and reverse decline of fish stocks

9

Marine megafauna

Promote whale wellbeing by reducing disturbances from whale watching operators and ships

Our 9 priority nature conserv-ation projects

1

Wet zone

Increase wet zone protection
by 68,000 hectares, raising the protection coverage from
9% to 15%

2

Dry zone

Halt forest loss in the dry zone and increase protection by ~142,000 hectares

3

Restore forests and mangrove habitats

Restore 220,000 hectares of degraded forest & 3,000 hectares of mangrove habitats

4

PA revenues (Tourism)

Sustainably grow tourism revenues in protected areas
to fund more effective management

5

Human-elephant conflict

Improve human-elephant coexistence to minimize deaths and crop loss

6

Rivers

Improve health and productivity of river systems, starting with the Kelani river basin

7

Marine protection

Enhance conservation of marine ecosystems for the benefit of nature and people

8

Fishing

Strengthen sustainable fishery management practices and reverse decline of fish stocks

9

Marine megafauna

Promote whale wellbeing by red-ucing disturbances from whale watching operators and ships

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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