Sri Lanka Environmental Issues

Sri Lanka’s Environmental Issues and Problems The Sri Lanka National Report to the WSSD (2002) identified a number of critical environmental problems and issues. The following were the chief among them; Deforestation caused by shifting cultivation, timber exploitation, fuel wood collection, encroachment of agriculture on forests; Costal erosion, and resulting damage to beaches, coastal conservations and communities. Soil erosion and loss of agricultural productivity of the land; Pollution of water bodies, coastal eco systems and beaches caused by the discharge of industrial pollutants and raw sewage; (Protected) sea level rise, landslides floods and other natural disasters, the victims of which are predominantly from the poorest segments of society, who are compelled to take the risk of occupying vulnerable areas; Situation of reservoirs built for irrigation and /or hydro power generation purposes; Poor natural resource management and land use patterns, resulting in the marginalization of lands, loss of productivity and depletion of non –renewable resources; Atmospheric pollution from vehicle emissions and industries; Urban expansion without concomitant infrastructural growth, resulting in the proliferation of slums and shanties, and many other urban problems. Sri Lanka is an island, 65,610 km2 in area situated close to the Southeast corner of the peninsula of India. Despite its relatively small size, Sri Lanka possesses a high level of bioddiversity. This site provides information, galleries, discussions on Sri Lankan Environment, Biodiverstiy, Eco-tourism and environmental issues. Research papers of Forestry and Environment Symposia 1995-2001 Environmental Message by Arhat Mahinda Birds of Sri Lanka Environmental Issues relating to proposed coal power plant at Kalpitiya Air pollution caused by Vehicles Key Environmental Issues in Sri Lanka Challenges and opportunities in Forestry for the new millennium PDF (1.3 MB) Environmental Issues in Brackish Water Shrimp Aquaculture in Sri Lanka UPALI SENARATH1 and C. VISVANATHAN2 (1) Environment Department, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, 14 Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha, P.O. Box 1768, Colombo 1, Sri Lanka, IN (2) Environmental Engineering Program, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang Pathumthani, 12120. Thailand, TH Abstract Shrimp exports are one of Sri Lanka's major foreign exchange earners and account for 40%–50% of total aquaculture exports. There has been a recent and rapid expansion of the industry in the Northwestern Province (NWP) of Sri Lanka but the industry has suffered from disease outbreaks and environmental problems. Currently, shrimp farms cover nearly 3000 ha of the coastal area of the NWP. The environmental impacts of shrimp cultivation in general are well known and numerous research studies have been done. However, little work has been carried out in Sri Lanka. This study provides some necessary background to brackish water shrimp aquaculture in Sri Lanka. It focuses briefly on the development of shrimp aquaculture and the current status of the industry. Emphasis is placed on two broader aspects—impacts on the existing wetland ecosystem and on the environment. These impacts are presumed to be the main causes hindering the growth of the industry and raising widespread public protest. Current ecosystem and environmental management practices are discussed. Finally, strategic issues for management and sustainable growth are discussed. KEY WORDS: Shrimp aquaculture; Sri Lanka; Environmental impacts; Brackish ecosystem; Wetland ecosystem; Mangrove; White spot disease Sri Lanka Map - Sri Lanka Satellite Image

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Sri Lanka Country Information:

Sri Lanka is located in southern Asia. Sri Lanka is an island that is bordered by the Gulf of Mannar to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and Palk Bay to the northwest.

Sri Lanka Bordering Countries:

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Sri Lanka Cities:

Ambalangoda, Ambalantota, Amparai, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Batticaloa, Bentota, Beruwala, Chilaw, Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Hendala, Hikkaduwa, Jaffna, Kalpitiya, Kalutara, Kandy, Kankesanturai, Kattankudi, Kegalla, Killinochchi, Kurunegala, Maho, Mankulam, Mannar, Matale, Matara, Moneragala, Moratuwa, Mullaittibu, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Opanake, Panadura, Point Pedro, Polgahawela, Polonnaruwa, Pottuvil, Pulmoddai, Puttalam, Ratnapura, Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Weligama.

Sri Lanka Locations:

Bay of Bengal, Gal Oya, Gulf of Mannar, Indian Ocean, Kala Oya, Kalu Ganga, Koddiyar Bay, Mundal Lake, Palk Bay, Palk Strait and Yari Oya.

Sri Lanka Natural Resources:

Sri Lanka has mineral resources which include graphite, gems, limestone, mineral sands, and clay. Other natural resources for the country include phosphates and hydropower.

Sri Lanka Natural Hazards:

Sri Lanka has some natural hazards, which include an occasional tornado and cyclone.

Sri Lanka Environmental Issues:

The country of Sri Lanka has a number of environmental issues. The freshwater resources are being polluted by waste disposal, sewage runoff, and the industrial wastes. There is coastal degradation from the increased pollution, and mining activities. Issues regarding the land include deforestation, and soil erosion. The country’s wildlife populations are threatened by poaching and urbanization. The city of Colombo has air pollution.