As part of her visit to Sri Lanka, Dr Tonia Astrid Capuano, an International Technical Expert in Oceanography and Visiting Scientist at the Institute of Climate and Ocean Governance, Dhaka University, Bangladesh, participated in a significant discussion yesterday, 10th December. The event, organised in collaboration with the Marine Subcommittee of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Sri Lanka, was titled “The Role of Ocean Mapping and Open Data Sources in Disaster Preparedness and Monitoring”. It was hosted by Marie-Noëlle Duris, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, at the Ambassador’s residence.
This gathering brought together a distinguished group of professionals and experts committed to advancing ocean science. Among the notable attendees were Dr Vagissha Gunasekara from the UNDP, Prof Sewwandi Jayakody, Dr Terney Pradeep Kumar, RAdm YN Jayaratne (rtd), Mr Graham Marshall (President, WNPS), Dr Malik Fernando, the Vice-Chancellor of the Ocean University, and the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre.
The event highlighted Sri Lanka’s immense potential in harnessing ocean mapping for sustainable development and disaster resilience. Dr Tonia Astrid Capuano eloquently emphasised the significance of ocean mapping and open data, illustrating how accessible information can vastly improve disaster preparedness and monitoring systems.
Prof Sewwandi Jayakody shared another noteworthy insight during the discussion: Amazon Web Services (AWS) has played a pivotal role in providing terabytes of data for digitisation projects in Africa. This example highlights the potential for Sri Lanka to collaborate with international tech giants and utilise similar resources to digitise its marine systems.
While the discussion illuminated promising opportunities, it also drew attention to the fragmented approach to ocean-related initiatives in Sri Lanka. Various sectors, such as marine tourism, marine education, and digitisation, frequently organise workshops and conferences, yet actionable steps often fail to materialise.
This lack of a unified framework has left critical projects stagnant for years. The need for a centralised institution, akin to Singapore’s National Maritime Centre, was reiterated. Such an organisation could regulate and coordinate efforts, ensuring a strategic approach to the sustainable management of Sri Lanka’s maritime resources. Establishing a Presidential Task Force or a National Maritime Centre under SDG No. 14, targeting the Blue Economy, was proposed as a solution to drive progress.
The discussion also highlighted the emerging focus on marine tourism. While this sector presents significant opportunities, it overlaps with fisheries and other industries, which face unresolved challenges. A centralised regulatory framework could streamline efforts, addressing cross-sectoral issues while contributing to economic growth and reducing national debt.
Admiral YN Jayaratne emphasised the pressing issue of maritime blindness in Sri Lanka, a critical concern for an island nation. He stressed the importance of addressing this issue urgently, underscoring the role of public awareness in overcoming it.
A Critical Opportunity for Action
The event served as a poignant reminder of the invaluable data resources Sri Lanka possesses. Dr Capuano, along with other experts, stressed the need to leverage this data effectively. However, despite the rich discussions and ideas presented, a clear strategy or execution framework remains absent.
As participants reflected on the need for collaboration and coordination, a strong sense of urgency emerged. Failure to capitalise on this opportunity could mean losing the chance to harness Sri Lanka’s maritime potential for sustainable development.
The Marine Chit-Chat serves as a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to unite efforts, establish centralised regulation, and pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future in ocean science and management.
It is now or never.
