As a country which looks forward to promoting the tourism industry, Sri Lanka faces the newsdilemma of balancing priorities. To safeguard the green blessings of the isle, while exhibiting them to attract economic growth.
To find the answer to this arising problem, one must know the intricacies of the problem at hand.We can categorize the problem under three main heads:
1. Pollution from tourism activities
2. Microplastic contamination
3. Damage to the Marine Ecosystem
Pollution
What kinds of pollution do we face as an island nation? Over the years the effects of irresponsible behaviour has led to a diverse range of pollution in the environment. Such as
I. Air pollution:
Air pollution occurs in the air due to the entry of on causes contaminants that exceed normal limits.
II. Water Pollution:
Water pollution is the mixing of contaminants and water through rivers, beaches, lakes,and groundwater, which results in decreased water quality.
III. Soil Pollution:
Soil pollution is the mixing of pollutant substances with the soil.
IV. Light Pollution:
Light pollution is a condition where there is excessive disturbing light
V. Noise Pollution:
Noise pollution is a condition where there is disturbing sound noise.
Microplastics
It cannot be simply assumed that only tourism is causing these pollutants. However, the tourist activities have a significant contribution to pollution. Such as the excessive usage of plastics intourist areas. Such as heritage sites, the coastal sightseeing areas and the beaches.
And such actions are cyclic in a manner that affects tourism as well. Littering and indisposed plastics lead to unhygienic and unappealing tourist sites, which show a significant decrease ininterest to visit the sites. Further the ecosystems face deterioration causing the animals to avoidsuch sites.
Marine Life
Sri Lanka as an island nation, known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, faces the perils of beingthe most affected by damages caused to the marine environment and ecosystem. An example ofsuch an incident would be the X-press pearl incident.
In simple words, the X-press Pearl Disaster is where a ship sank near Colombo in 2021, spilling chemicals and plastic pellets. This polluted beaches and killed marine life. Why does this matter?Because it led to fishermen losing jobs, a significant decrease in tourist visits, and suffering of wildlife.
How do we manage and recover?
Every problem has a solution, just needed to be searched and worked with immense effort tomake a difference with. The way we as a nation can save our environment is through waste management strategies. Such as:
-Install more bins and encourage recycling.
– Organize regular cleanups with local communities and tourists.
– Enforce stricter penalties for littering
These are more pragmatic and easier to implement when the community is involved and is partof the process. Which is why awareness is necessary, by creating awareness of the reality of thepollution our environment is threatened with, change can be brought about sooner. Locals aswell as visitors need to be educated about the impact of the waste they litter. There needs to bemore initiatives of ecotourism being promoted, such as clean-up volunteering.
There are legal frameworks in place that regulate these as well. Such as the National Environmental Plans, which strive to protect nature while reducing pollution; as well as International instruments such as the Ramsar Convention, which aims to save wetlands to protecthomes of birds and other wildlife.
There has been change! And we are able to see the results! Examples are the Pettah Floating Market–once closed due to dirt and pollution is now reopened and cleaner– and the ColomboFort– old buildings have been turned into hotels while keeping the history alive and rich.
What more can we do?
Become an active member of society who promotes recycling, to save the environment! Keep the environment, beaches and parks clean and help animals and plants grow and prosper. Each and everyone can do their own small deed to help the environment!
Remember, each raindrop makes a difference, each bottle picked up makes a greener tomorrow.
Penned by Ahrapy Arivalazahan (Second year student of Faculty of Law, University of Colombo)
Rotaract Club of Faculty of Law University of Colombo 