Sri Lanka’s NDCs

Ecosystem-based Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) adopted in areas of high climate vulnerability to enhance resilience

1.1 Incorporate EAFM into existing fisheries management areas as declared under Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act

1.2 Identify priority areas and define fisheries management units based on ecological principles 2022

1.3 Develop 5 EAFM plans 2025

1.4 Implement 5 EAFM plans

Expand aquaculture and culture-based fisheries to address food security issues relating to climate change

2.1 Promote an appropriate fish fingerling stocking programme for enhancement of culture-based fisheries

2.2 Establish fish barricade devices for 50 perennial reservoirs impacted with frequent floods to prevent fish escape, in consultation with Irrigation Department

2.3 Promote culture of species that are resilient to climate change

Breeding of climate change resilient and commercially important aquatic resources

3.1 Expansion of cryopreservation facility at NAQDA, aquaculture center at Dambulla to stock the sperms of the species whose normal spawning is affected by climate change

3.2 Establish new fish breeding units with indoor hatchery facilities and design constructions enabling control of temperature and salinity for breeding tolerant strains of selected species

Increase the production capabilities of fisheries, aquatic resources in 30 lagoons that are highly vulnerable to climate change

4.1 Identify vulnerable lagoons (by 2022) and prepare lagoon profiles for 30 lagoons

4.2 Carrying capacity assessment of 30 lagoons

4.3 Declaring and managing 10 lagoons as Co-managed Fishery Management Areas (FMAs)

4.4 Minimize aquatic pollution in 10 lagoons

4.5 Promoting aquaculture of selected climate change resilient, high value food species in selected lagoons

Enhance safety at sea against climate change influenced extreme conditions

5.1 Promote applicable measures to enhance safety at sea

5.2 Introduce effective early warning transmission systems for fishers (including small boats and traditional crafts) and insurance schemes

5.3 Establishment of an efficient weather information management and communication system including satellite-based vessel monitoring system to ensure safety at se

Diversification of livelihoods of fisherfolk to build resilience to climate change

6.1 Enhance access to credit, inputs training for diversification of livelihoods of the vulnerable fisherfolk

6.2 Assist in finding high- value markets to deal with reduced yields

6.3 facilitate value additions through diversification of fisheries related products (fish oil, fish sauce and other value-added products)

Conduct fisheries and aquatic resources research to build resilience to climate change

7.1 Assess climate impacts on fisheries and aquatic resources

7.2 Develop reef monitoring systems to provide early warning alerts of bleaching events

7.3 Identify adaptation measures in fisheries for ocean acidification related impacts

7.4 Installation of artificial reefs where substrate for settlement of corals larvae is minimal

7.5 Deployment of fish aggregating devices in identified areas

7.6 Reduce capital, operation and other costs in fisheries and aquaculture by introducing and promoting fuel- efficient technologies in response to declining yield and productivity in a changing climate

Introduce adaptation measures to address adverse impacts of climate change on ruminant livestock

1.1 Identify and promote appropriate adaptation measures, technological innovations and resilient farming systems including heat stress management

1.2 Promote integration of rainwater harvesting ponds into medium and large farms

1.3 Introduce adaptation measures such as forage conservation, modification of feeding systems to respond to early warning on extreme weather events

1.4 Introduce/ develop high yielding and climate adaptable new forage and feed resources

1.5 Continuous monitoring/ improved surveillance by veterinary services to detect and respond to new/re-emerging climate-related diseases

Introduce technological innovations and interventions to build resilience in poultry and swine farming

2.1 Facilitate small-scale operators to adopt climate-resilient housing and management practices to prevent heat stress

2.2 Continuous monitoring/ improved surveillance by veterinary services to detect and respond to new/re-emerging climate-related diseases in poultry and swine

2.3 Promote more widely, existing adaptation measures such as feed conservation, modification of feeding systems to manage available feed in responding to early warning systems on extreme

Improve research, education, awareness and capacity building for climate change adaptation

3.1 Technology and knowledge transfer to implement adaptation measures, considering gender sensitivity in the livestock sector

3.2 Conduct awareness and educational programmes on climate resilience in livestock activities

3.3 Capacity building of all institutions in the livestock sector to promote resilience-building measures discussed in NDC 1 and 2

3.4 Access to risk management and financing to support adaptation to climate risks and changes

3.5 Review and revise existing training curricular in universities offering veterinary and animal production-related degree programmes and in the Department of Animal Production and Health in addressing climate vulnerability

3.6 Improve research and development to identify climate-resilient breeds/varieties and new technologies for livestock management

Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) adopted in 15 prioritised river basins in Sri Lanka

1.1 River basin-wide vulnerability, risks and capacity assessments carried out in 15 river basins in Sri Lanka

1.2 Climate change adaptation considerations built into integrated river basin management planning initiatives of Sri Lanka

1.3 Water resource development and management plans for the selected 15 river basins are prepared

1.4 Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) plans are prepared (by 2025) for at least five critical river basins and implemented (Five basins identified are Yan Oya, Mi Oya, Malwathu Oya, Gin Ganga and Nilwala Ganga)

1.5 Establish water flow and sediment load monitoring systems in five priority basins 2025

1.6 Harness excess water in selected river basins to storage facilities elsewhere through trans-basin diversions

1.7 Enhancement of water retention/recharge in catchments using appropriate measures such as ecosystem restoration, tree planting, small ponds, check dams to enhance climate resilience

1.8 Implementation commencement of the five plans addressing climate vulnerability

1.9 Prepare remaining 10-climate inclusive river basin development plans Ten basins identified are Kala Oya, Ma Oya, Gal Oya, Deduru Oya, Mahaweli Ganga, Mundeni Aru, Kalu Ganga, Kelani Ganga, Attanagalu Oya and Kala Oya

Ground and surface water monitoring in the Northern, North Central and North Western provinces and other areas of high drinking water vulnerability to drought

2.1 Conduct risk assessments and contingency plans for all new drinking water projects in priority areas

2.2 Seek new water sources and options (i.e. rainwater harvesting and sub surface water) to augment water supply in areas where supply is scarce

2.3 Mitigation of drought impact by establishing provisional deep wells on risk- prone districts

2.4 Identify and implement appropriate groundwater recharge systems of the water deficit areas

2.5 Ensure water security at all times with the required quality and quantity of water

2.6 Establish sustainable extraction levels of ground water in at least three river basins (by 2025) and expand coverage by further three river basin

Promote climate- resilient water supply schemes

3.1 Establish new technology in real- time measurements of water quality and level on major water sources in a collaborative manner with water sector institutions

3.2 Device mechanisms to supply safe drinking water during floods, droughts and during saltwater intrusion for all water supply schemes vulnerable to floods, droughts and saltwater intrusion

3.3 Strengthen interagency coordination for early warning on climate and weather-related disasters and health emergencies with timely disaster response

3.4 Innovative approaches such as Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) to be explored for catchment protection in vulnerable regions

3.5 Establish desalination or rainwater facilities in most vulnerable areas with inadequate other sources of potable water

3.6 Minimize the level of Non-revenue Water (NRW) as a water conservation / efficiency improvement measure in all water supply schemes

Promote the use of wastewater for gardening, sanitary, construction and other purposes to reduce demand for treated water

4.1 Some policy initiatives at the national level for use of treated water for other purposes piloting in industries, industrial parks and apartment buildings

4. Promotion of most appropriate mechanisms of water conservation / reusing / recycling for different purposes

4.3 Introduce by-laws and building codes to introduce reuse of wastewater in new industrial constructions including areas under industrial estates

4.4 Introduce market mechanisms for promoting above 2026

4.5 Public awareness-raising on private and social benefits of wastewater management

Establish salinity barriers in 03 rivers where intakes are subjected to climate change influenced saline water intrusion during the drought season (covering Kelani Ganga, Kalu Ganga, and Malwathu Oya)

5.1 Identify best solutions (covering technical and financial) for salinity barriers for each case

5.2 Establish salinity barriers at each critical river identified

5.3 Assess and establish regulatory mechanisms to manage ground water extraction in areas with salinity intrusion issue

5.4 Monitoring and recording of saline water intrusion into drinking water sources especially during drought periods

5.5 Strengthening interagency coordination in early warning of salinity intrusion and allocation of water for flushing as a priority when needed

Capacity building for water sector personnel and public awareness on building resilience to climate change

6.1 Capacity needs assessment of the water sector institutions and the personnel on climate resilience building

6.2 Prepare plans for building capacity in each institution to effectively implement the sector NDCs including that of community water supply schemes

6.3 Awareness raising and behavioural change campaigns for the public towards sustainable use of water as a climate resilience building for water security

6.4 Capacity development in communities and Community Based Organizations in addressing climate resilience in water resources

6.5 Demand-Side Management and promotion of 3R amongst water users in most vulnerable areas for climate change

6.6 Establish accreditation schemes for water sector technicians/plumbers with awareness on climate change vulnerabilities

6.7 Supply-Side Management through enhanced efficiency in abstraction, transmission, and distribution of drinking water

Restore, rehabilitate and augment 25 major /medium reservoirs and 300 minor irrigation systems and 200 km length of irrigation canals of Sri Lanka for enhancing climate resilience in the agriculture sector

7.1 Prioritize abandoned tanks (including small tank cascade systems) and canals to be rehabilitated in the most critical areas of climate change vulnerability paying attention to productivity gains inrestoration

7.2 Prepare indicative cost estimations, means of implementation with national capacity and international support needed for the priorities for restoration

7.3 Restoration of 50 tanks and canals of 100km length with periodic (every 2 yr) targets with agencies responsible (DAD, PDoI, DoI, MASL and special projects)

7.4 Augment capacity of irrigation tanks to enhance climate change resilience covering 25 major/medium reservoirs and 50 minor irrigation system

Introduce or promote alternative water resources as a climate change resilience building intervention for domestic and supplementary irrigation

8.1 Carryout feasibility studies for use of alternative sources of water for irrigation and groundwater recharge for building climate resilience

8.2 Assessment & identify priority domestic water supply and priority supplementary irrigation schemes to be supported by groundwater resources (by means of tube wells/deep wells) as a climate change resilience building intervention

8.3 Regulate provision of groundwater through Agro wells for irrigation based on water availability and safe abstraction levels

Enhance water management in 40 irrigation schemes

9.1 Increase system water use efficiency in irrigation by 10% to cover at least 45,000ha of irrigated land

9.2 Introduce water- saving applications like micro- irrigation system (sprinkle) and low water intensive crops

9.3 Farmer training and awareness on water saving applications

9.4 Introduce efficient distribution of water among farmer organizations through better water allocation mechanisms

9.5 Promote market-based instruments for the adoption of new irrigation technologies (water Subsidy schemes and tax reliefs)

Assess river floods and mitigation measures and early warning systems for possible flash floods for five priority basins (covering Kelani Ganga, Attanagalu Oya, Kalu Ganga, Kirindi Oya and Malwathu Oya on pilot basis)

10.1 Install river and reservoir gauges and collect rainfall data and river flow data for the five priority basins

10.2 Prepare digital elevation maps for all priority basins and establish automated early warning systems

10.3 Conduct capacity building programs for newly established early warning systems associated technological applications and dissemination

10.4 Introduce flood mitigation structures to handle climate change influenced risks

Management of climate-sensitive areas and restoration of degraded areas inside and outside the protected areas (PAs) network to conserve habitats that are highly vulnerable to climate change

1.1 Identify habitats using existing maps that are most vulnerable to climate change-driven changes and adaptive measures taken in response to climate change to inform priority sites that need to be restored or rehabilitated both within and outside Pas

1.2 Prepare maps indicating terrestrial, wetland landscapes, coastal and marine areas such as mangroves, seagrass beds, fog-interception areas, villus etc. that should be the focus of priority actions identified above in order to enhance their resilience

1.3 Identification of species of fauna and flora that are highly vulnerable to climate change

1.4 Encourage research and studies on the most vulnerable species and habitats identified in 1.1 and 1.3

1.5 Establish long-term monitoring plots and mechanisms in climate sensitive areas to identify climate change driven changes in species and habitats

1.6 Restoration of at least 25% each of degraded terrestrial and wetland landscapes including coastal & marine habitats identified above and based on current extent and prioritized according to biodiversity value, ecosystem values and climate change vulnerability

1.7 Restore the natural ecosystem in fog interception zones at least by 25%

Increase connectivity in the zones that will be subjected to climate-driven changes according to current predictions through landscape approaches

2.1 Conduct a feasibility assessment (based on 1.2 above) to identify connectivity corridors on a landscape level using the river basins located in the climate-sensitive areas

2.2 Restore climate-vulnerable riparian and instream areas that can act as corridors based on the above feasibility study covering at least 25% of the identified area

2.3 Monitor such corridors for their efficacy to serve as biodiversity corridors and making adaptive changes to enhance movement

Expansion of Protected Area (PA) extent to enhance the ability of the PA network to function as a buffer for climate change

3.1 Identify ecologically/environmentally sensitive areas (based on 1.2) within the climate sensitive areas that can be annexed (included) to existing Pas

3.2 Annex (include) identified areas to existing PAs / declare as new PAs under mandated agencies

Strengthen ex-situ conservation programmes covering climate-vulnerable taxa and regions

4.1 At least two facilities to be established for ex-situ conservation of flora in the climate vulnerable regions (botanical gardens and arboreta) within 5 years

4.2 At least two facilities to be established for ex-situ conservation of fauna in the climate vulnerable regions (ex-situ conservation centres) within 5 years

4.3 Establishing a mechanism to assist translocation/reintroduction of climate sensitive or threatened fauna and flora

4.4 Introduction of three new number of Veterinary/ Epidemiology facilities for Ex-situ Conservation Centers

4.5 Develop Gene Banks in National Museums and National Botanical Gardens and Plant Genetic Resources Center (PGRC)

Effective management of the spread of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) triggered by favorable climatic conditions

5.1 Conduct a desk assessment based on the available distribution maps of IAS to identify IAS that are likely to undergo range expansion or whose range expansion can be facilitated by climate change and anthropogenic activities

5.2 Implement programs in critical areas as identified in 5.1 to enhance the resilience of ecological and economical systems towards possible biological invasions triggered by climate change

Establish an accurate sea level rise forecasting system for Sri Lanka

1.1 Establish the required database with historical tidal level data

1.2 Measure and record present Mean Sea Level (MSL) and assess and publish Sea Level Rise (SLR) measurements

1.3 Identify and establish additional sea-level measurement stations, to cover the coastline of Sri Lanka in addition to the existing stations

1.4 Estimate SLR predictions for Sri Lanka using global best practice

Prepare updated vulnerability and risk maps for the coastal belt of Sri Lanka

2.1 Update inundation maps covering coastal area according to the sea level rise forecast

2.2 Identification of areas vulnerable to Sea Level Rise

2.3 Prepare SLR influenced risk maps for the coastal zone with 0.5m contour intervals and take appropriate actions

2.4 Use findings in 2.3 to update the existing coastal development setbacks

Adopt optimal shoreline management works/measures covering affected length of shoreline using a combination of hard & soft solutions to prevent coastal erosion in areas most vulnerable to SLR

3.1 Start required long term data collection programmes, including wave measurements and a sediment transport study

3.2 Update the erosion management plan

3.3 Establish programs (in collaboration with universities and other research agencies) for monitoring of coastal erosion and collect related data/information on: coastal erosion trends and status, scientific investigations of sediment balances and assessments of sediment sources, threats to dwellings, land use and critical habitats from erosion, bathymetric & hydrologic conditions

3.4 Restoration of coastal ecosystems including mangroves covering 1,000ha. (this action is linked to action 1.6 of the Biodiversity Sector NDC 1)

Identify and declare coastal and marine natural areas of high priority for building resilience for climate change impacts

4.1 Prepare appropriate criteria and list of candidate sites to be declared as high priority natural areas

4.2 Declare and manage high priority natural areas as required through gazette notifications

Policy initiatives for enhancing the climate resilience of the health sector promoted and integrated to all related sectors

1.1 Development and implementation of the Heat – Health Action Plan (HHAP) for Sri Lanka

1.2 Development and implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Health, Environment and Climate Change (NHSPEC)

1.3 Development and implementation guidelines and standards to make Green and Healthy Hospitals

1.4 Health action plan prepared to reduce the disease burden due to air pollution and implementation commenced

Improve capacity to manage non-communicable diseases (NCD) and health conditions directly attributable to climate change

2.1 Identify diseases and health conditions expected to aggravate due to climate change

2.2 Develop management guidelines for the prioritized diseases and health conditions including clinical and preventive guidelines

2.3 Capacity building of public health system in addressing climate change influenced diseases and health conditions

2.4 Identify potential at-risk categories/vulnerable groups (elderly, children, vulnerable worker groups, and other vulnerable categories) and to develop a road map in managing climate change-induced NCDs

2.5 Strengthen research capacity on generating evidence on climate change and health impacts

Manage the worsening of under-nutrition and malnutrition due to climate change

3.1 Develop a mechanism to receive and analyze food availability related early warning to minimize nutrition- associated health issues

3.2 Social welfare systems strengthened to cover vulnerable groups including families below the poverty line, elderly, disabled people, nursing mothers and young children in Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas identified as vulnerable to food insecurity

3.3 Strengthen the public health system to identify and intervene early in nutrition-related issues

Strengthen surveillance and management of climate-sensitive vector and rodent borne diseases (dengue, malaria, filaria, leishmaniasis and leptospirosis)

4.1 Strengthen vector borne disease surveillance system for the above diseases

4.2 Develop early warning systems at MOH level based on rainfall/temperature forecast for each climate sensitive vector borne disease

4.3 Capacity building of the public health system, local authorities and other stakeholders in prevention of occurrence of outbreaks and to rapidly respond to early warnings through effective interventions in prevention and control infectious diseases

4.4 Strengthen public health risk communication regarding vector borne disease control during predicted outbreaks

4.5 Inter-sectoral coordination and information system linked to the surveillance system for coordination with public health, local authorities, and other stakeholders

Reduce morbidity and mortality from extreme weather/climate events (floods, droughts, landslides and other climate-related emergencies)

5.1 Strengthening timely and accurate early warning receipt and dissemination to health sector on possible extreme events or rainfall variability and linking them to national, regional, MOH and village level interventions

5.2 Risk assessment for all hazards including climate-related events for the health sector

5.3 Improved health preparedness for all hazards including climate related events at national, subnational, MOH and village level both in curative and preventive sector

5.4 Public awareness on health impacts of climate change and promotion of resilience designed and disseminated through traditional, electronic and social media on how to address immediate disaster risks

Enhance the resilience of human settlements and infrastructure through mainstreaming climate change adaptation into national, sub-national and local level physical planning

1.1 Integrate most current climate change risk and vulnerability into physical planning at all levels

1.2 Prepare the sub-national and local plans considering climate risks and vulnerability and the recommendations of the National Physical Plan (NPP)

1.3 Adhere to the guidelines prescribed by the NPP and UDA in all urban infrastructure projects and programmes

1.4 Introduce adaptation measures such as urban zoning incorporating disaster risk, forest parks, ground water recharge, air passages/wind corridors, wise use of wetlands and roadside planting into urban planning to build resilience to climate change

1.5 Integrate and adhere to the Guideline for Climate Resilient Human Settlement and Infrastructure developed by the Climate Change Secretariat

Incorporate Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into the urban and human settlement planning/implementation in areas of high vulnerability to climate change risks

2.1 Develop Guidelines on Climate Change influenced Disaster Risk Management (DRM) for urban and human settlement planning

2.2 Design and maintain infrastructure giving due consideration to the runoff system/drainage and flooding

2.3 Incorporate slope stability and soil conservation measures in developing infrastructure in hilly areas

2.4 Assess landslide / flood risk to human settlement and infrastructure and introduce measures to reduce the vulnerability in high- risk areas

2.5 Assess drought risk to human settlement and introduce measures to reduce vulnerability in high-risk areaa

Establish a climate-resilient built environment

3.1 Integrate climate risk projections into climate-resilient built environment strategies implemented by respective stakeholder institutions

3.2 Review and update climate-resilient design strategies to address emerging climate risks

3.3 Amend and gazette existing human settlement plans to integrate climate-resilient strategies 3.2

3.4 Review, update and enforce existing rules and regulations to prevent built environments in areas highly vulnerable to climate change

3.5 Include sustainable built environment concepts into Architecture and Engineering curriculars

3.6 Promote vertical housing solutions, where appropriate to communities living in high climate risk areas

Minimize the impact of slow onset events (sea-level rise) on coastal settlements and infrastructure

4.1 Design coastal settlements and associated infrastructure considering future sea-level rise

4.2 Demarcate protection areas from sea level rise to facilitate for shifting urban densification inward

4.3 Prepare and commence implementation of risk management plans for existing coastal infrastructure and settlements

Build resilience through sustainable tourism practices and improved risk preparedness in destinations of high climate change vulnerability

1.1 Undertake studies to assess climate impacts on tourism, carrying capacity studies and identification of tourism facilities in areas that are vulnerable to climate change

1.2 Identification and promotion of adaptation measures in the above areas

1.3 Advocate diversified tourist attractions and products (e.g: Cultural, Adventure, Lifestyle, Festivals and Marine Tourism etc.) as alternatives to identified vulnerable destinations

1.4 Inclusion of guidelines/principles for sustainable tourism practices relevant to different stakeholders

1.5 Increased number of tourism establishments and destinations certified under the National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)in collaboration with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Introduce risk reduction and risk transfer mechanisms for climate-induced disasters affecting tourism

2.1 Strengthen early warning systems and capacity building in most vulnerable tourism destinations

2.2 Implement coastal rehabilitation and protection measures together with Coast Conservation Department (CCD) and Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) in critical areas

2.3 Expand development of coastal tourism zonal planning with CCD, Urban Development Authority (UDA) and SLTDA covering all vulnerable coastal areas

2.4 Develop climate inclusive insurance scheme for risk management in tourism

Promote climate resilience in the tourism sector by introducing green building design to all new constructions and refurbishments

3.1 Review and update existing Green Building Guidelines (GBG) specific to tourism to include climate change and ecological aspects

3.2 Legalize GBG specific to tourism

3.3 just Enforce the above guidelines for all new constructions and refurbishments in the tourism sector

3.4 Initiate programmes for the Architects and Engineers responsible for designing tourism-related structures through their respective professional associations on the Green Building Codes on tourism

3.5 Dissemination of Green Building Code on tourism with planning committees of the relevant local authorities

Conduct a gap analysis to assess the current status and understanding of L&D: This includes weather and climate-related extreme events, slow-onset disasters and natural processes attributed to climate change.The analysis would cover;

1.1 Awareness and capacity on L&D.

1.2 Data collection and analysis.

1.3 Policy, institutional arrangements and mandates.

Strengthen the existing weather and climate forecasting system

2.1 To improve early warning and user services

2.2 To improve capabilities to predict and record damages and losses for weather and climate-related extreme events, slow-onset disasters and natural processes attributed to climate change

2.3 To determine losses and damages attributable to climate change

3.1 Improve data management systems to record losses and damages per sector: This involves taking 2015 as the base year, to assess and quantify both economic and non-economic losses and to inform disaster and climate risk management strategies and incorporate into national development planning process

4.1 Establish an overarching, nationally appropriate, functional institutional mechanism for L&D in line with the ‘Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage’ (based on the Gap analysis – NDC 1). This institutional mechanism will have the mandate to coordinate with multiple sector entities, in addition to monitoring functions, it will have financial and budgetary authority

Develop a Comprehensive Risk Management Framework founded on the provisions of the 2005 Disaster Management Act but expanded to include the entire spectrum of climate-related extreme events, slow-onset disasters and natural processes attributed to climate change and anticipated future losses and damage. This will support mainstreaming of disaster management strategies/ adaptation plans implemented nationally and locally by all relevant sectoral agencies

5.1 As a basis to minimize L&D

5.2 To enable and ensure development investments are risk-sensitive and to recover residual L&D by incorporating appropriate mechanisms for risk transfer (Social protection, Risk retention, economic options such as insurance, contingency/emergency funds).