Problem overview:

     Awareness and visions: It is known that poverty in developing countries is one of the main causes for rapid deterioration of the environment. Also rapid economic development, without any regard to environmental issues, jeopardize the optimal use of natural resources.

     Policies and measures: Developing countries cannot afford the luxury of being overly concerned with environmental issues, as it affects development itself. Hence developing countries such as Sri Lanka need a judicious balance between the imperatives of development and environmental issues. This is clearly reflected in the Presidential Policy Statement of 1996.

Background in summary:

     H.E. the President of Sri Lanka, in her policy statement for 1996, stated that: "to ensure that rapid economic growth does not jeopardise the quality of the environment, the Government will choose a balanced strategy towards environmental protection, which integrates environmental concerns into the development process, without fettering development itself".

     The statement further stressed the importance of National institutional procedures and guidelines for environmental management stating that: "the laws institutions and procedures relating to environmental concerns will be revised to ensure the rational and speedy handling of environmental concerns with regard to industrial ventures."

     Finding the right balance between environment and economic: In consonance with this vision, policy decisions tend to be guided by the concept that environmental conservation and the development effort are not in conflict, but are two sides of the same coin. Efforts are therefore directed at finding the right balance between the needs of development on the one hand and environmental protection on the other.

     Integration of environmental concerns into economic policies: The Sri Lanka Government commenced a liberalisation process of the economy in 1977. This policy which recognised the private sector as the engine of growth, has been vigorously pursued by subsequent governments. Since then rapid economic growth followed. The Government therefore recognised the need to integrate environmental concerns with the development process itself, for the sustainable use of natural resources, and to address national as well as international environmental concerns.

See also Singapore: Importance of leadership

See also Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEP)

Peer Review Committee Good practice rating: (1 for the best, 5 for the lowest score)
Sustainability		Efficiency
3	Improvement in either the environment of economic condition with no harm to the other.	-	Cost efficient.
2	Sustainable over time (not one-off)	Process
Adaptability		-	Participation of the community
2	Location adaptability (can the project be done in other places?)	-	Participation of resource owners/users
2	Socio-cultural adaptability.	-	Partnerships between various actors (Governments, NGO, Academia, Private)
2	Level of development adaptability.	-	Degree of coordination and cooperation between government departments.
2	Style of government adaptability.	2	Ability to attract political interest/support
2	Degree of decentralization adaptability.	-	Procedures for feedback and review.
Comments on this example:       Realizing the importance of balancing between development and environmental conservation is one step towards sustainable development. Further on, policies, regulations and action programs must be set up to turn the vision of sustainable development into reality. Learning from other countries experiences will be useful in the policy formulation and implementation process. Sustainability of the project:   Adaptability of the project to other situations:       This project requires leadership skills and intelligence on the part of the national executive combined with government will to follow that leader's policy. Process of decision making and implementation:      Policies and measures: The vision and commitment of the leader alone will not work, unless they are put into cohesive action, with all other policies providing a supportive framework. Very often conflicting policy decisions taken from time to time more on political reasons are the main barriers in seeing the vision being implemented. Cost efficiency: