The Role of Protected Areas in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Developing Countries such as Sri Lanka

Abstract

"Small developing countries such as Sri Lanka are extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts, despite their minimal contribution to global carbon emissions. Moreover, the poor within these countries will be impacted disproportionately, posing issues of social justice and equity. Since Sri Lanka has allocated over 20% of its land area to its protected area (PA) network, the country has a tremendous opportunity to utilise these areas to reduce these impacts, especially on ecosystems and the services they provide.This paper explores how developing countries such as Sri Lanka can integrate their PAs in their climate change adaptation strategies while benefiting from international mitigation efforts. An estimate of the potential benefits from a group of PAs in the south-east of Sri Lanka provides a practical example of the concepts discussed. Finally, current deficiencies in Sri Lanka’s PA network that will impede the realisation of these benefits are discussed along with potential solutions."