Environmentalists concerned over FFPO amendments

Disna Mudalige

Environmentalists expressed their deep concern over the proposed amendments to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) to relax regulations pertaining to the export of water plants and freshwater fish species.

The Collective Environment Organizations at a press conference at the Library Services Board last week pointed out this move would be highly detrimental to the conservation of rare and endemic aquatic species of the country.

Environment Conservation Trust Director Sajeewa Chamikara pointed out the proposed regulations are to permit artificial breeding and exporting of 13 endemic water plants and eight point endemic freshwater fish species.

He said according to the National Red List 2012, six freshwater fish species among them are 'Critically Endangered' and two species are 'Endangered'.

Among the 13 water plants, five are 'Critically Endangered' and seven are 'Endangered'. The Director said there is a tendency for some of these endemic species to go extinct, if the laws are relaxed allowing to export.

He said under the law, these species are prohibited from exporting. He further added that under the present laws destroying their habitats, catching and possessing them are offenses.

Chamikara said the exploitation of natural habitats of these species to cater to the demand of the world market would be an irrepressible consequence of the proposed move. He also noted the extinction of these species could occur by taking them out of their original habitats for artificial breeding.

He also noted the wild populations of these species may shrink as a result of taking parental population out for artificial breeding. The draft Amendments to the FFPO have been submitted to Legal Draftsman's office.

These Amendments will come into effect once the regulations are approved by the Cabinet and Parliament.

According to Wildlife Conservation Department sources, this measure is proposed with the intention of developing the ornamental fish industry.

A committee comprising of Wildlife Conservation Department, Forest Conservation Department, Agricultural Department, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Customs Department and Animal Production and Health Department has been appointed to study and come up with measures to permit this move in a manner that causes least harm to the aquatic species.

The Committee is expected to review the breeding process once the amended regulations come into effect.

The attempts by the Daily News to contact Wildlife Conservation Minister S M Chandrasena for a comment failed.