Climate forum launches focus on elephant, leopard protection

Colombo, May 29 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Parliamentary Forum on Climate has decided to prioritise issues affecting elephants and leopards as part of its efforts to address the impacts of climate change on wildlife, with plans to conduct a comprehensive study and submit recommendations to relevant authorities in the future.

The decision was highlighted during a recent discussion held in Parliament on minimising the adverse effects of climate change on elephants and leopards in Sri Lanka.

The meeting was attended by the forum’s co-chairmen, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Member of Parliament Professor L.M. Abeywickrama.

Special attention was given to the effects of El Niño and La Niña climate conditions on the behaviour and habitats of elephants and leopards. Officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation briefed participants on the challenges faced by wildlife due to changing climate patterns.

Addressing the discussion, Premadasa said extensive attention would be paid to the impacts of climate change on wildlife, with elephants and leopards identified as a key priority. He noted that findings from a future study would help formulate recommendations for relevant authorities.

Climate experts and environmentalists also participated in the discussion, presenting views and proposals on wildlife conservation and climate adaptation measures.

Several issues related to wildlife protection, including efforts to minimise human-elephant conflict, were also discussed during the meeting.

Members of Parliament Ajith P. Perera, Champika Hettiarachchi, Riaz Farooq and Chandima Hettiarachchi were among those who attended the discussion.