The Government of Sri Lanka has ratified more than 36 MEAs since 1972. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which is the focal point for most of these MEAs, found that these conventions have not been properly implemented. The problems faced by the State in the implementation of MEAs include: 1) no accepted ratification procedure, 2) lack of co-ordination between focal points, 3) no domestic legislation to implement MEAs, 4) no comprehensive enforcement approach, 5) lack of awareness on MEAs at all levels, 6) inadequate resource allocation for MEAs 7) donor-driven project implementation, 8) no systematic participation at MEA negotiations, 9) weak preparation for negotiations, 10) lack of capacities in international negotiation, and 11) lack of access to documents and reference materials.
To address many of these issues, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources established the Conventions Reference Centre (CRC) as a partnership organization that involves all focal points of MEAs and stakeholders as partners. The CRC has since been renamed the Environmental Treaties Reference Centre (ETRC). Partners of the ETRC include: government agencies, professionals, academics, NGOs, CBOs, and the public. The ETRC stores reference materials and documents relevant to all MEAs and frequently updates this information for the benefit of ETRC partners. It currently has two staff (one full-time).
The Environmental Treaties Reference Centre is responsible for ensuring effective coordination among the MEA focal points and preparing national positions for all MEAs, adopting a synergistic approach. The ETRC compiles and updates information on MEAs signed by Sri Lanka and disseminates information regarding the implementation of MEAs. It raises awareness among focal points on important global events relevant to MEAs and builds capacity of focal points for international negotiations (for example, it has drafted 20 position papers on various MEAs). The ETRC also engages in public outreach, building networks for effective stakeholder consultations and obtaining expert advice. It links with donor agencies and multilateral agencies, coordinating donor funding. The ETRC also builds technical capacity for effective implementation of MEAs, facilitates development of policies and legal frameworks, designs and implements programmes and projects, and sets guidelines for MEA implementation by focal points. The ETRC is coordinating Sri Lanka’s NCSA process.
The MEAs Steering Committee, MEAs Technical Committee, and MEAs Stakeholder Network were established to support the CRC (now the ETRC). The ETRC can be utilised by focal points and stakeholders for any activities relating to MEAs. As a partnership organization, there are no leadership issues encountered in the implementation of MEA activities. With the establishment of CRC/ETRC, the Government of Sri Lanka has been able to address most of its MEA implementation issues.
For more information, visit the ETRC web page at http://www.conventionsl.com/index.htm or contact envecon@sltnet.lk