Sri Lanka’s Marine Environmental Protection Authority has inked a significant agreement with France’s Collected Localization Satellites (CLS) to bolster the monitoring of oil spills resulting from vessels traversing Sri Lankan waters, utilizing advanced satellite technology.
This historic accord, with a one-year term, carries a project valuation of 601,810 Euros. The financial support for this endeavor is graciously extended by the French government, while the Sri Lankan government will shoulder the operational expenses. The agreement encompasses the provision of swift responses to oil spills caused by ships, encompassing stringent law enforcement measures. Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Prasanna Ranatunge, underscored the pressing need for such a system, given that approximately 300-350 vessels navigate the southern coast of Sri Lanka on a daily basis.
Minister Ranatunge stated, “Given the substantial maritime traffic along Sri Lanka’s coastal waters, a robust monitoring system is imperative to safeguard our nation’s precious marine environment. This surveillance system stands as an ideal solution to address potential hazards.”
Additionally, experts from Collected Localization Satellites (CLS) will impart invaluable insights to the Marine Environmental Protection Authority personnel on how to effectively monitor and pursue legal recourse in the event of future oil spills. Training will also encompass early detection techniques, which can significantly mitigate environmental risks by facilitating proactive measures.
CLS, the implementing agency for this project, presently operates in 34 global locations and specializes in the monitoring and observation of oil spills through cutting-edge satellite technology.
