Capacity building for the Clearing-House Mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity in South Asia, through informing the public and training post graduate students: A Case Study for Sri Lanka (SACEP)

Sri Lanka's tropical rain forest ecosystem is considered as an area which is disturbed by human activity, but still exceptionally rich in animal and plant species found nowhere else in the world. The country has been identified as one of 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world. 

Sri Lanka is a signatory to the following international conventions directly or indirectly relating to biodiversity conservation; Convention on Biological Diversity, 1994 (CBD), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and flora, 1979 (CITES), Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, 1990 (Ramsar), Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1980, International Plant Protection Convention, Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals 1990 (Bonn convention), Climate change (1992) and Biosafety Protocols. Sri Lanka has not yet developed its national CHM website.

The objective of the project was “to create awareness among post graduate students on Clearing-House Mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity and build their capacity on how to make use of it for conservation activities”.

Sri Lanka has 12 state run universities and out of them, three universities are conducting post graduate courses on environment and related fields. There are about 200 – 250 students enrolled for their postgraduate studies on environment and related fields annually. These students will be the future environmental, wildlife or forest managers of the country, who will make decisions or implement the policies to protect the country’s rich biodiversity. Therefore, by helping to build their capacity on biodiversity conservation, we would be able to contribute towards achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The project led to the organisation of two training courses that included lectures, computer based practical sessions and field trips. Lectures were conducted by professionals on various fields viz. global picture of biodiversity, Sri Lankan Status, major issues, good practices, Convention on Biological Diversity, etc. Computer based training was given to familiarize the student on surfing information on the existing CHM websites. Field trips were organized in close collaboration with the Forest and Wildlife Departments to give field experience on various issues regarding biodiversity conservation.