🌿 ADB & CEPA Push for Natural Capital Accounting in Sri Lanka

• Policy Focus: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) call for integrating Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) using the UN-SEEA framework into national economic decision-making, complementing traditional GDP metrics. • Implementation Timeline: A phased national rollout is proposed for 2027, initially targeting upper watersheds and coastal/marine ecosystems. • Economic Context: Approximately 75% of economic activity in developing Asia (US$ 21 Trillion) depends on nature, highlighting the crucial need to track environmental asset degradation. • Strategic Value: Aims to safeguard national natural assets supporting key sectors like agriculture, tourism, and fisheries by guiding public investment, land-use planning, and budget allocation toward sustainable growth.