Statement by UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka H.E Hanaa Singer-Hamdy for World Ocean’s Day 2022

According to the World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate 2021report, the world's oceans in 2021 grew to their warmest and most acidic levels on record. Carbon emissions from human activities are causing ocean warming, acidification and oxygen loss, which in turn threaten organisms and ecosystem services, and negatively impact food security, the tourism industry and the economy.

As an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, climate change's impact on sea-level rise and the maritime environment is critical for Sri Lanka.  Sea level rise will offer numerous challenges to coastal communities, their livelihoods, and the coastal ecosystem. Changes in the maritime environment will put a strain on fishery resources, reducing the quantity and quality of fish caught. Many livelihoods are reliant on these resources, which also contribute significantly to Sri Lanka's GDP. As a result, changes in sea level and the maritime environments are a policy priority for Sri Lanka and the United Nation’s work in Sri Lanka.

The UN in Sri Lanka has been working with our government partners on protecting the maritime environment for many years, our activities have included reef conservation programmes and addressing marine pollution.

Last year UN efforts were focused on the MV X-Press Pearl container ship incident, which underscored the fragility of our ecosystems, and the inseparability of nature from human actions. It was a collective reminder that our actions have consequences not just on the planet, but on people’s health, livelihoods, and well-being. In response to the crisis, the UN provided support to key government authorities, including the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and the Department of Oceans Affairs. Thanks to the support from the European Union (DG ECHO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) facilitated the deployment of an environmental mission to Sri Lanka. Together they advised the government on significant findings and recommendations for short-term and long-term interventions. These discoveries have led to powerful law enforcement and effective national and international prevention approaches.

As we look ahead, it is vital that our policies consider how we can ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

These plans and policies should consider:

• Infrastructure Improvements. Global experience shows that infrastructure investments have high returns. Therefore, to manage environmental impacts in coastal areas, improve basic services and quality of life in coastal communities, and protect tourism destinations - basic services and infrastructure must be improved.
• Improved Data. Managing a vast seascape requires detailed and timely information. Better data will also benefit tourism and environmental impact monitoring could be used to detect problems and inform mitigation measures on a timely basis.
• Economic Recovery. As we look at economic recovery, this too can be an opportunity for protecting our oceans. These include labour-intensive coastal and marine restoration activities, such as mangrove restoration of coastal clean-up activities, in hard-hit tourism-dependent communities.

Today, on World Ocean’s Day let us recommit to ensuring that our policies, plans, and economic systems reflect the true value of our oceans and invest ourselves in protecting and restoring this valuable resource.