MOVING BEYOUND THE CBD’S 2010 TARGET - A REVIEW ON THE EFFECTIVEHESS OF FAUNA AND FLORA PROTECTION ORDINANCE IN PROTECTED AREA ESTABLISHMENT IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

The CBD target to protect at least 10 per cent of each of the world‟s ecological regions by 2010 has not been achieved globally, although good  progress was reported by many countries.  This paper present the results of a comprehensive review undertaken with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance No 2 of 1937 (FFPO) and its amendments, as a framework legislation for Protected Area (PA)establishment in Sri Lanka.  The FFPO was enacted aiming to protect indigenous fauna and flora, and over the years its emphasis  has shifted from that of the preservation of wildlife to protection of biodiversity for  the benefit of present and future generations.  It has introduced eleven categories of PAs, of which five are in existence on ground. 93 PAs covering 943,595 ha has been established, representing 14% of land cover and 0.63% of the EEZ.    62% of the PAs are below 5,000 ha in size, an indication to increasing human-animal conflicts. FFPO is presently being supplemented by several other sectoral enactments in PA establishment. As the demand for development are underpinning the establishment of new PAs  and maintaining the existing ones,  it is now vital to look at the possibility of consolidating relevant enactments under single legislation, or to develop a coordination mechanism under one institution, which is specifically designed for PA establishment and management.  Further a long-term scientific plan that includes a significant role for civil society and private sector is needed.