Institutional barriers in adapting to climate change: A case study in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Uncertainty and unpredictability characterising complex socio-ecological systems challenge conventional hierarchical governance regimes seen in South Asian developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Though experimental interventions that seek to engage communities have been implemented in a number of regions, most of these interventions stall after the experimental stage. This research utilised opportunities provided by a landmark intervention on Special Area Management in Negombo, Sri Lanka, to draw lessons for community-based interventions for climate change adaptation.Short term policy interventions can lead to irrevocable changes within complex socio-ecological systems, disintegrating identities and functions. Such systems become artificial, empty shells, losing their former richness and serenity. Tight social networks and bonds, which prevailed through centuries disappear, taking away the ability of communities to engage in collective action that allowed sustainable use of their common resource base. The resulting degradation of the natural resource base that form the livelihood of communities leads to further breaking down of the social network, driving this vicious cycle.It is clear that the Special Area Management (SAM) intervention in Negombo, Sri Lanka needs further improvement if it were to further the adaptive co-management approach, though the project that funded the intervention clearly expected to utilise this approach. The current national and provincial level institutional set up is not conducive for effective adaptive co-management. This is mainly due to conventional institutions adhering to governance regimes that are rigid and inflexible, and as such are not prepared to be adaptive through policy learning. It is also due to the fact that existing systems are not serious about community empowerment in the governance process. It is clear that any breakthrough allowing for an adaptive co-management kind of approach needs policy and institutional change.