In a historic moment at the 6th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), Sri Lanka has been bestowed with the esteemed World Restoration Flagship Award by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for its exceptional efforts in catalyzing the natural rejuvenation of mangroves. This accolade recognizes Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in pioneering innovative solutions for ecosystem restoration, crucial for sustaining lives and livelihoods across the island.
Accepting the UN Flagship Restoration Award on behalf of Sri Lanka were Dr. Anil Jasinghe, CEO of Sri Lanka’s Climate Change Office, and Professor Sevvandi Jayakody, Senior Lecturer at Wayamba University. Accompanying them were Ruwan Wijewardena, Senior Presidential Advisor on Climate Change, and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya, Mr. Veluppillai Kananathan. The award underscores Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to implementing effective and enduring strategies for mangrove ecosystem restoration.
Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, lauded Sri Lanka’s Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves as one of the most promising initiatives globally, selected from a pool of over 150 applications. She highlighted Sri Lanka’s remarkable dedication to science-based and inclusive approaches, resulting in the substantial revitalization of mangrove habitats.
Ms. Andersen emphasized that Sri Lanka’s success serves as an inspiration for other nations grappling with ecosystem restoration challenges. The country’s exemplary efforts in mangrove regeneration set a high standard for global restoration endeavors, showcasing the profound impact of collaborative and sustainable restoration practices. Congratulating Sri Lanka on its outstanding contributions to mangrove regeneration, the Executive Director underscored that it serves as a valuable example for other nations. Sri Lanka’s recognition as the UN Flagship Restoration Awardee reaffirms its position as a global leader in environmental stewardship and highlights the country’s pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This prestigious honor reflects not only Sri Lanka’s dedication to environmental conservation but also its commitment to building a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come..
