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Shared priorities in focus at marine resources discussion
View(s):By Minaza Hassan
Pollution, rising sea levels, responsibly managing ocean resources, surveilling crime routes in the ocean, and the protection of biodiversity are not unique to Sri Lanka as a country in the Indian Ocean; France also faces these crises.
In respect of the shared struggles, a regional centre for maritime studies to exchange and contribute expertise and experience has been set up in the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), said the ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, Remi Lambert, at a panel discussion on Sri Lanka’s ocean strategies and stakes on Friday.
The panel of five experts spoke to ambassadors of countries including the Maldives, Italy and Portugal and stakeholders from diverse fields who shared interests and roles related to the ocean.
This gathering brought together voices from different sectors, highlighting the importance of ocean-related issues across multiple disciplines.
The ocean contributes in excess of US$2.5 trillion each year to the global economy, yet it remains one of the most underfunded global priorities, said UN representative Leila Nazareilli. The invisibility of the challenges faced in relation to the ocean was re-emphasised when an audience member from Bhutan, Nobou Uncho, highlighted the deep connection many in his landlocked country have with the ocean, despite never having seen it.
He emphasised that while oceans are vital to Sri Lanka’s economy, plastic pollution that originates mainly from neighbouring countries is a growing threat.
The Indian Ocean, although it seems to be the same water body, has distinct differences in each area. For instance, in the Bay of Bengal, there is regional tension and competition for resources, said Rear Admiral of the Sri Lankan Navy, Y. N. Jayarathna. This presents both opportunities and challenges, he said.
“Sri Lanka’s trade to GDP ratio has been falling to 40% from 60-70%. We have become less trade-oriented and some people think we can just do more import substitutions,’ said professorial fellow from Gateway House, Dr. Ganeshan Vignaraja.
The ocean economy has to exploit its positioning while facing challenges such as uncertainty in trade policy globally and repaying debts, said Dr. Vignaraja.
Panellists and a section of participants who attended the discussion on the importance of ocean studies at the Kotelawala Defence University auditorium on Friday
The focus shouldn’t be solely on fishing but also on value addition, such as processing tuna locally instead of exporting it unprocessed, said Dr. Vignaraja.
Transitioning into ocean-related services (at least 55-60% of GDP is from services) and looking into new potential unexplored marine resources such as sea cucumbers and sea urchins and other such products are some ways to use ocean resources for the economy, said Dr. Vignaraja.
In addition to the conversation on economic development through ocean resources, Deputy General of National Agent Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), M.L. Amaralal, also highlighted that the UN’s High Seas Treaty, also known as the Bio-Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty (BBNJ), seeks to regulate and conserve marine resources and share the benefits of marine genetic resources fairly.
More than 2.5 million people depend on fishing for their livelihoods in Sri Lanka, he said. The BBNJ treaty’s regulation would enable fair use of marine resources.
“While Sri Lanka has signed this convention, it has not yet been ratified. Sri Lanka is not ready to ratify the BBNJ treaty, as it is currently focused on raising stakeholder awareness, aligning its domestic legal framework, and ensuring effective enforcement mechanisms are in place to avoid future non-compliance or reputational risks,” said Mr. Amaralal.
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