UNDP urges Sri Lanka to view nature as economic capital

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 01:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday called on Sri Lanka to treat nature as vital economic capital and prioritise integrated, sustainable approaches to tourism and climate finance in the lead-up to the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

Speaking at the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) awards, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota outlined the need for Sri Lanka to accelerate nature-based investment—not just as an environmental imperative, but as a strategic economic decision.

“Natural resources hold immense potential for Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic development. Protecting biodiversity is not just environmentally responsible, it is economically strategic,” she said.

Kubota noted that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global investments must increase by $ 1.5 trillion annually. For Sri Lanka, this translates to requiring financing equivalent to 12.5% of its GDP annually till 2030.

She announced that the UNDP at present is supporting the Government in mapping out investment needs and identifying innovative financing tools to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Acknowledging tourism’s role as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through transport, she said the sector could also play a key role in the green transition.

Kubota added that sustainable mobility solutions, including efficient public transport, electric vehicles, and expansion of charging infrastructure, are key to reducing tourism’s carbon footprint.

“Sustainable tourism is not a buzzword. To position Sri Lanka as a sustainable and resilient tourist destination, collaboration is key. Ministries, local communities, and the private sector must co-create future-focused strategies that go beyond slogans and lead to meaningful change,” she asserted.

She commended Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts in biodiversity conservation and inclusive development, especially its growing engagement with the private sector.

However, the UNDP Resident Representative cautioned that achieving climate and development goals will require deeper structural change and cross-sectoral partnerships. “As we approach a decade since the Paris Agreement, this is the time to reaffirm our climate ambition. Together, we can make tourism a force for good, where visitors experience Sri Lanka’s beauty without harming it and local communities thrive from the industry’s growth,” she added.