Sri Lanka will submit new proposals to combat environmental challenges, and take special steps to ensure the reduction of food waste, mangrove conservation and reduce ocean pollution due to micro-plastics, according to President Maithripala Sirisena, who was speaking at the third forum of ministers and environment authorities of Asia-Pacific.

These proposals are to be submitted at the fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) scheduled to take place in March.

At the recent forum, member states reviewed the progress of Asia-Pacific’s implementation of the UNEA resolutions, and identified priorities, challenges and opportunities in the region that would have to be presented at the March session.

Sirisena further stated: “We are responsible for securing the sustenance of not only mankind but also life on earth as a whole… I trust that the fourth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly… will be a productive venture to ensure global food security.”