Biodiversity Sri Lanka to support SMEs in environmental conservation

Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), in a bid to strengthen knowledge and compliances of SMEs in environmental and biodiversity conservation measures in their operations, recently hosted a sensitisation programme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

It was in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons and Co-operative Development, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the BSL membership.

“This initial learning event organised as the first of a series of events BSL intends hosting, saw the enthusiastic participation of diverse SMEs in addition to other members of the private sector, and some interested parties. The objective of the event was to bring SMEs on to a common platform in terms of their understanding of sustainability and why and how they should direct their attention to greening their operations as a means of contributing towards the national biodiversity and environmental agenda, aligning their work with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),” the BSL said in a media release.

Prof. Sarath Kotagama – Emeritus Professor of the University of Colombo - raised awareness on the critical Importance of achieving environmental sustainability in Sri Lanka after which R. W. S. M. N. Manorathne – Assistant Director of the Central Environmental Authority - spoke on ‘Integrating Environmental Management Systems (EMS) into SME Operations’. K. A. Lalith Wasantha - Environment Officer of the Project Management Unit of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, provided useful information on the financial and other support schemes available to SMEs to green their operations.

The SME sector has been identified as an important strategic sector in the overall policy objectives of the Government of Sri Lanka. It is seen as a driver of change for inclusive economic growth, regional development, employment generation and poverty reduction as it accounts for more than 75 per cent of the total number of enterprises, provides 45 per cent of employment and contributes to 52 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

‘Green transformation’ is a significant business opportunity for SMEs as important suppliers of goods and services, the BSL said.

However, the willingness and capability of SMEs to adopt sustainable practices and seize green business opportunities generally face size-related resource constraints, skill deficit and knowledge limitations. As a membership oriented organization, BSL said it intends to change this situation with its efforts towards mainstreaming biodiversity and the environment into the core business of SMEs. It will facilitate this process, not only through such events and learning opportunities but through a host of other benefits and opportunities made available through the SME membership portal of the BSL.