{
  "id": 4973927,
  "title": "Experts urge business to turn blue growth into conservation-driven investment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/experts-urge-business-to-turn-blue-growth-into-conservation-driven",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T23:55:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/experts-urge-business-to-turn-blue-growth-into-conservation-driven-investment/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Experts are urging businesses to transition blue growth into conservation-driven investments. Prof. Terney Pradeep Kumara, Director General of the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department, cautioned that a resilient and regenerative blue economy cannot be achieved without prioritizing ecosystem regeneration and maintenance. He emphasized that the country's extensive marine resources should be treated as productive infrastructure rather than endless exploitable resources. The keynote panel discussion, held during 'Biodiversity Sri Lanka’s Biodiversity Action Forum 2026', aimed to explore entry points for private sector investment in productive conservation, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and blue finance.\n\nKumara highlighted the significance of the coastal ecosystems, which provide vital services and infrastructure for blue growth. He questioned whether the country was adequately protecting these ecosystems and stressed the need for a comprehensive approach, considering the interconnected landscapes, reefscapes, and seascapes. Marine protected areas should act as cornerstones, but marine spatial planning and wider seascape management must determine how various sectors can coexist harmoniously.\n\nThe session underscored the growing interest of investors in sustainable marine and coastal initiatives. DFCC Bank's issuance of Sri Lanka's first-ever blue bond in 2025, raising nearly Rs. 3 billion (USD 10 million), demonstrated investors' willingness to support sustainable marine projects. However, the bank's Head of MIS, Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Sivalingam Sivakanthan, cautioned that raising funds alone was insufficient. He advocated for a credible blue finance framework that includes clear project definitions, a robust pipeline of initiatives, strong governance, and the ability to demonstrate measurable environmental and social impacts.\n\nEntrepreneur Shan Meemanage exemplified the convergence of conservation and commercial interests. Initially driven by profit motives, he found ways to integrate sustainability into his business model. By developing hatchery production, stocking reservoirs, and establishing buy-back arrangements with fishermen, Meemanage expanded his model across over 100 reservoirs. Harshini de Silva Pandithasekaran, Head of Sustainability at Aitken Spence Hotels, pointed out that while the tourism sector heavily relies on the conventional \"sun, sea, and sand\" model, there is significant potential for diversification through nature-based experiences that leverage Sri Lanka's diverse coastal landscapes and marine ecosystems. The session aimed to shift the focus from conventional CSR to long-term conservation partnerships that deliver tangible results.",
  "summary": "By Ifham Nizam ‘We cannot really talk about a resilient blue economy, we cannot really talk about a regenerative blue economy if we do not set the stage for regeneration and the maintenance of these ecosystem services.’ Prof. Terney Pradeep Kumara, Director General of the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department, issued this cautionary […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}