UN adopts Lanka's proposal for sustainable development of oceans resources

COLOMBO: The UN General Assembly by its Resolution on Law of the Sea at the 61st Session, approved Sri Lanka's proposal for a UN Study for developing countries to realise the economic benefits of marine resources and ocean uses under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Foreign Ministry said.

This initiative by Sri Lanka was inspired by her cherished tradition of promoting sustainable development throughout history. King Parakramabahu (1153-1186 AD) who built mammoth reservoirs, demonstrated the link between development and environment, saying 'not even a little water that comes from the rain is to flow into the ocean without being made use to man.'

In 1980s Sri Lanka provided leadership to the conclusion of the Convention of the Law of the Sea under the stewardship of late Shirley Amerasinghe which has enshrined the philosophy of sustainable uses of ocean resources. The Convention has now received universal acceptance.

However, anticipated economic and social benefits for developing countries under the Convention remain largely unfulfilled, and the exploitation of marine resources and the uses of the oceans have not been realised by them. Sri Lanka pointed out that the realisation of benefits under the Convention would depend on the international co-operation, providing technical assistance and scientific knowledge to developing countries, as well as financing and capacity building.

The study will provide an opportunity for developing countries to identify their needs in attaining sustainable development of marine resources under their jurisdiction.

It will highlight the nature and extent of international support that is required to address such challenges, including scientific, technological, managerial and financial needs. It will facilitate donor countries and aid agencies to design their programmes in marine sector.