Colombo, Sri Lanka – September 9, 2024 - South Asia is highly vulnerable to drought and its impact on key sectors like agriculture, water, and hydro-power generation. In response to the growing risks posed by drought, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka hosted a four-day Regional Workshop on Drought Risk Management and Mitigation. The primary focus of the workshop is to present the comprehensive regional strategy for drought risk management and mitigation while building the capacities of participants by sharing the latest advancements in drought risk management techniques.

Held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo from September 9 to September 12, 2024, the workshop brings together policymakers and decision-makers from across the South Asia region, including participants from Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. International and regional experts from renowned institutions, including Global Water Partnership (GWP), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), University of Nebraska (USA), Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), and Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (Nepal) actively participated in the event. These experts contributed by sharing their extensive knowledge and experiences in drought management, water conservation, and sustainable development.

The workshop served as a platform for South Asian nations to collaborate on creating a more resilient and sustainable approach to tackling drought and its far-reaching impacts on the region's economy and society.

Mr. B. K. Prabhath Chandrakeerthi, Honorable Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Government of Sri Lanka inaugurated this regional workshop on 09th September 2024. In his welcome speech he congratulated UNCCD and ADPC for organizing this regional workshop in Sri Lanka. In his speech he highlighted that drought is not just a national issue, but a global and regional challenge especially for South Asia and this regional workshop can be a vital step towards achieving the drought management and mitigation goals in region. He informed that Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting these regional efforts related to drought management and mitigation.

Dr. Daniel Tsegai, Programme Officer at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), delivered an insightful key opening speech during the inaugural session of this workshop on the vital role of UNCCD in addressing drought management across vulnerable regions including South Asia. He emphasized the UNCCD’s commitment to promoting sustainable land management practices and fostering international cooperation to combat the growing threat of drought. Dr. Tsegai also outlined the primary objectives of the regional drought management and mitigation strategy, highlighting the need for a coordinated response to reduce the impact of drought on communities and ecosystems in South Asia. His discussion focused on strengthening regional capacities, sharing knowledge on best practices, and promoting policy frameworks aimed at building long-term resilience to drought conditions.

Dr. Senaka Basnayake, Director of the Climate Resilience Department at the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), delivered a key address during the inaugural session of this regional workshop. In his opening remarks, Dr. Basnayake emphasized the critical importance of the workshop in fostering regional cooperation to tackle the increasing threat of drought in South Asia, a region highly vulnerable to climate-induced hazards. He outlined the primary goals of the workshop, which include strengthening the capacities of participating nations in addressing drought risks and developing a cohesive regional strategy for drought management and mitigation.

On September 12, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Government of Sri Lanka, organised an exposure visit for participants of the regional workshop. The visit included several key locations aimed at showcasing practical initiatives for sustainable water management and drought resilience in Sri Lanka.

The participants were taken to the Yakaandagaswewa Tank, an important irrigation reservoir, and the upper catchment of the Kapugama Tank, where they observed innovative water conservation practices crucial for supporting agriculture during periods of drought. Additionally, the group visited the roadside market in Kithul Uthuwa, Polonnaruwa, which serves as a hub for local farmers to sell produce from home gardens that are maintained using efficient water management techniques. The exposure visits also included a field observation of home gardens in Kithul Uthuwa, where participants learned how local communities utilize traditional methods to ensure food security and sustainable land use, even under challenging drought conditions.

These site visits provided valuable insights into Sri Lanka's community-led efforts in mitigating the effects of drought, aligning with the broader objectives of the regional workshop.