Sri Lanka on path to establish Environment Management Effectiveness Tracking System
The Presidential Secretariat Support Unit, in collaboration with the Climate Change Office of the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Environment, held the inaugural consultation for the Sri Lankan Environment Management Effectiveness Tracking System (SL EMETS) at the Hilton, Colombo on June 24.
The event brought together key stakeholders, scientists and policymakers to discuss the value and design of this groundbreaking national-level environmental management approach and the system.
The idea for the SL EMETS was conceived following the International Climate Change Forum (ICCF) in November 2023, where the need for a robust system to track climate adaptation initiatives in Sri Lanka was highlighted. Appreciating the connection between the climate adaptation potential and the long-term ecosystem sustainability that involves air, water, soil and biodiversity, the system aims to address the longstanding need for an effective tracking system for environment governance.
This system is a prerequisite for facilitating the oversight of green investments, sustainable financing, and monitoring of overall development progress, in a changing climate.By providing accurate and timely data, SL EMETS will ensure a resilient and sustainable future for all Sri Lankans.
The consultation featured three thematic working groups focusing on Coastal and Marine Environment, Terrestrial Environment and Systems, Funding and Operational Aspects of the envisaged SL EMETS development and implementation.
Advisor to the President on Environment, Climate Change and Green Finance Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri emphasised; “Sri Lanka is on a path to economic recovery and should aim towards a strong blue-green economy. The Management Effectiveness Tracking System (METS) will facilitate evidence-based decision-making, promoting both local and global collaborations. This system will foster informed engagement among policymakers, corporate entities, development partners, financial institutions, NGOs, and communities.”
Endorsing and appreciating the timeliness of SL METS, Ruwan Wijewardene, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change stated,“The envisaged environment management system will be a critical tool for Sri Lanka’ssustainable and resilient economic recovery and to overcome the adverse impacts of climate change.”
Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Prabath Chandrakeerthi stated; “Factoring locally relevant data and community involvement is essential in designing this system. It will not only track environmental management but also support Sri Lanka’s low-carbon economic growth towards Net-Zero.”
CIFOR-ICRAF Chief Scientists Dr. Fergus Sinclair highlighted the importance of locally relevant indicators for effective project delivery and community engagement, proposing the EMETS system as a pilot for the Green Climate Fund-backed Knuckles Project.
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