Chapter 2 - Special Coastal Management Area Concept Experience in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Special Coastal Management Area (SCMA) concept based on comanagement principles is considered to be an effective and viable approach for integrated coastal resources management in Sri Lanka. The strategy for integrated coastal resources management addresses the control of environmental degradation due to rapid development and restoration as well as the sustainable use of coastal resources to achieve specific development goals. In this manner, the SCMA concept is implemented as an “effective management tool” for the management of coastal resources by the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department (CC&CRMP) with active public participation in collaboration with relevant stakeholder agencies. This chapter is mainly focused on the lessons learned as well as the challenges and innovations for currently implemented SCMAs in Sri Lanka with fast experiences under three main areas: legal and institutional, effectiveness and impact, and sustainability and challenges. It has highlighted the importance of a new legal provision under the Coast Conservation (Amendment) Act No. 49 of 2011 and the specific guidelines for SCMA sites.