English - Convention on Biological Diversity

problem for non-implementation of the BCAP holistically. The mechanism required has been provided in the BCAP, andexpanded further during preparation of the Addendum (Figure 2.1). Secondly, there are institutional problems as theBDS that should spearhead this activity does not have sufficient senior staff positions; the capable mid level staff donot have the authority to act as required. Further, funds are needed to set up the relevant Task Forces and workinggroups.Capacity building within the BDS is also required for circulation of CBD COP decisions to the wider public. Currentlythese decisions are communicated only to the National Experts’ Committee on Biodiversity (NEC), due to constraints interms of human resources and funds in the BDS. This is vital for dissemination of outcomes of the COP meetings (i.e.country responsibilities and actions, training initiatives, funding opportunities, etc.) to the wider stakeholder groupwho are involved with implementing the necessary actions. A GEF funded project to set up appropriate mechanisms totrack implementation of national BAPs should be considered by the CBD.Overall, it has been found that scientifically prepared plans and policies and existing mechanisms (e.g. for sustainableuse, quarantine procedures, sand mining, EIA procedures, etc.) are often over ridden due to lack of awareness of theneeds for these procedures and the serious implications of contravening them for economic development and povertyalleviation (MoENR, 2007).2.3.2 In-country capacity for implementing the CBD.2.1 Capacity assessment in 1996 by IUCN Sri LankaAn appraisal of in-country capacity from secondary sources and interviews was carried out by IUCN Sri Lanka in 1996,resulting in a broad analysis of in-country status for implementing the articles of the CBD, and in many cases subarticleson the following aspects: (i) status of action (ii) availability of in-country capacity (institutional, manpower),and (iii) Level of importance assigned by the country (in term of low, medium and high). At that time Sri Lanka wasconsidered to have medium to high capacity to implement most sub-articles of Article 8 of the CBD, low capacity toimplement Articles 15-19 and medium capacity to implement the other Articles.Sri Lanka has not addressed Article 15, 8j, 11 and 14 adequately; has addressed other sub-articles of Article 8 andArticle 12 adequately, and has to a fair degree sought to address Articles 9, 10, 12 and 13, 17, 18 and 19.The idea of biodiversity valuation is not widely prevalent and has made little headway towards integration into thenational economy since the BCAP (1999). Given the inadequate understanding and conceptualisation of the importanceof biodiversity for the national economy within financial sectors (MoENR, 2007), there is little scope as yet forproviding incentives (Article 11) such as tax rebates and eliminating perverse incentives (e.g. chemical fertilisersubsidies) at the national level to promote biodiversity conservation.Table 2.1 provides an indication of threats to biodiversity in the country, promoting sustainable use and facilitatingbenefit sharing with local communities.TABLE 2.1: Key threats to biodiversity and mitigation statusKey threats Specific issue StatusHabitat loss andfragmentationLoss of forests throughclearing for development orconversion to monocultureplantations.*Illegal slash and burncultivation in the dry zoneand encroachment forcultivation of cash crops inWet Zone.*This has been largely halted. There is indication fromanalysis of satellite imagery that high canopy natural forestmay have increased since 1999 (Forest Department Personalcommunication, 2009).Encroachments into Wet Zone forests have been haltedalmost entirely with boundary marking of forests, awarenesscreation, better relations with local communities and lawenforcement. Participatory forest conservation has beenpiloted in successfully in some Protected Areas in the WetZone, resulting in greater participation of communities inforest conservation and lowering of threats from illegalencroachment. The same has been piloted in selected PAs inthe Intermediate and Dry Zones by the Forest DepartmentFourth National Report to the CBD: Sri Lanka 47