National Strategic Environmental Assessment gets underway

By Ifham Nizam

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has commenced the first phase of what is described as the National Strategic Environmental Assessment (NSEA), following a two day workshop, to strengthen relationships among the numerous national stakeholders for the purpose of launching an efficient and sustainable development process, to ensure that money and time, among other resources, are saved.

‘Accordingly, when making various investments and launching industries, for example, the prime aim will be to locate them in the right places to make their activities efficient, said CEA Director General P. B. Hemantha Jayasinghe.

He said that through a planned process, places where settlements and constructions should be carried out would be identified, besides issuing the necessary guidance for the preservation of the ecosystems that need to be protected.

Jayasinghe added: ‘We are currently implementing the basic steps required to conduct this NSEA covering the country.

‘The first phase of the NSEA has been initiated with relevant stakeholder institutions. It is to be implemented in two phases.

‘Under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, as per the instructions of the Presidential Secretariat, this NSEA is conducted by the CEA to ensure a rapid and sustainable development process.’

Informed sources added: ‘Under the chairmanship of CEA chairman Supun S. Pathirage, a five-member national steering committee and a 20-member technical team, consisting of government agency representatives and experts co-led by Professor Devaka Weerakoon and Ms. Ramani Ellepola, a former Director General of the CEA, have been set up. Hemantha Jayasinghe is the convener of the NSEA.

‘The main purpose of conducting a NSEA is to create a data system and provide necessary guidelines to carry out development activities in an environmentally- friendly manner, covering the country. Sustainable development is the aim.’