In celebration of World Environment Day 2026, an awareness and knowledge-sharing event was held on 03 June 2026 under the “Partnerships and Innovative Financing to Mainstream Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Management in the Wet Climatic Zone of Sri Lanka (GEF-7)” project.
The event was organized in line with the World Environment Day 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, highlighting the critical role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation while securing a sustainable future for communities and ecosystems.
The programme brought together representatives from government institutions, the plantation sector, energy sector, transport sector, private sector organizations, academia, and research institutions to discuss emerging environmental challenges and collaborative solutions for climate resilience.
A key focus of the event was the increasing climate-related risks faced by Sri Lanka’s wet zone landscapes, particularly within the project intervention areas. Discussions explored how biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management approaches can contribute to mitigating climate risks while enhancing ecosystem services, land productivity, and community resilience.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Buddhika Hapuarachchi, Policy Specialist and Team Leader of the Climate and Environment Team at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka, emphasized that the impacts of climate change are now affecting Sri Lanka more than ever before, underscoring the urgent need for integrated climate action and sustainable environmental management. He highlighted the importance of implementing practical, science-based interventions through projects such as GEF-7 to build resilience, protect biodiversity, promote sustainable land management, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Several technical presentations were delivered by leading experts including Prof. Devaka, Prof. Kadupitiya, Prof. Mayuri, Dr. Mohotti, Prof. Pushpakumara, Dr. Sugathapala, and Mr. Mahakumarage, who shared insights on climate action initiatives, sustainable land management practices, biodiversity conservation efforts, and innovative approaches being implemented within their respective fields and project areas.
The presentations demonstrated how collaborative efforts across sectors can support climate adaptation, strengthen ecosystem resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to Sri Lanka’s environmental sustainability goals.
The event also provided a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among stakeholders, fostering stronger partnerships to advance the objectives of the GEF-7 project and promote integrated approaches to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.
Through initiatives such as this, the GEF-7 project continues to support the transformation of Sri Lanka’s wet zone plantation landscapes into resilient and sustainable ecosystems that benefit both people and nature, contributing towards a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable future.
