Towards systematic compilation of environmental information Review of sources of data on environment with special reference to Land Resource

Abstract

Lack of reliable and up-to-date information on environment limits the effective policy and managementdecisions on natural resources sector. Eventhough the organizations responsible for supplyingenvironmental information are well established, there is no effective mechanism to provide professionalservice in dissemination and maintenance of systematic date bases on regular basis. The level ofaccuracy of data isalways variable and most collected data and information are stored in paperarchiveslacking integration within the sub sector. The objective of this s.udy was to review the sources available for updated data and information relates to environment and to review the available information ofland resource. The methodology used to collect data and information consisted of reference to theliterature through recent publications, annual reports, periodicals and internet, visits to relevant institutionsand personal communication with experts and officials. The results revealed that some of the authoritiesare able to maintaining their information regularly where as few are unable to maintain due to lack oftheir resources and man power. Few of them can be summarized as follows. Latest Soil Classificationaccording to international methods and development of a soil data base and soil map for wet andintermediate zones has published in 2005 by the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka.The existing mapof24 agro ecological sub regions (1975) were updated into 46 sub regions in 2003. Preparations ofhazardous maps for major areas in ten districts which are prone to landslide have been carried out byNBRO and few districts were already completed. At present the Department of Survey isplanningto publish the latest version of the National Atlas with up dated data and information and it includesdistribution of almost all the natural resources and present land uses, further as a new chapter thetsunami information is also included. The Clean Air initiative, which releases regular ambient airquality monitoring reports, sets an important example in dissemination of public environmentalinformation. Furthermore, the extent of coral reef in coastal area except North and East has beencarried out by the NARA after the tsunami disaster. Survey of mineral resources of the country isbeen carried out by the Dept.of. Geological Survey and Mine Bureau as an ongoing project. Studyemphasized the need for integration of the fragmented and sectoral information of the individualinstitutes and the need for timely reliable and systematic data base on environmental information thatcould aid in better decision making and management processes.