Actes et contributions > Par intervenant > Fernando Christopher

INTRODUCTION

Ancient trade routes, and the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon spices.

 A geographical indication (GI), it can be used as a tool to contribute to the increasing of the sustainability of their production system by promoting a high-quality product linked to origin. Furthermore, local traditions will be preserved, natural resources protected, and the conditions to ensure fair income for producers will be provided. Territorial approaches combined with value-chain processes were identified as powerful drivers of necessary rural transformations.

Sri Lankan spices are not just condiments; they are a symbol of culture, heritage, and exploration. Let us embrace the diversity of spices, celebrate their influence, and allow their magical touch to continue enriching our lives. Traditional knowledge accumulated in the spice sector of Sri Lanka, for centuries opens up new pathways.GI products are the result of an interaction between the local environment and local wisdom

Three specific products, i.e., Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon and Ceylon Black Pepper. Ceylon Pineapple has been identified as Trade Marks under the Intellectual Property Act No. 23 0f 2003.

• PRODUCTION AREA – Indigenous varieties/species, influence of the environment/climate on the product's development and characteristics
• PRODUCERS' KNOW-HOW: Selection techniques, traditional production methods, a connection to the local wisdom and heritage).
• An origin-linked product with a name and reputation associated to its origin.

Innovations to ensure the adaptation of GI systems to climate change we have been observed that food security of the nation can be adversely affected due to impacts of climate change.

Sri Lanka has traditionally been generalized into three climatic zones, namely,

• 'Wet zone'. (The Wet Zone receives a relatively high mean annual rainfall over 2,500 mm without pronounced dry periods.)
•  'Dry zone' (The Dry Zone receives a mean annual rainfall of less than 1,750 mm with a distinct dry season from May to September.)
• 'Intermediate Zone' (The Intermediate Zone receives a mean annual rainfall between 1,750 and 2,500 mm with a short and less prominent dry season.)

 Sri Lanka has been further divided into 46 agroecological regions (Punyawardena, 2007) that take into account the monthly rainfall amount (at 75 % probability) and distribution in addition to the parameters considered for identifying climate zones.

OBJECTIVES

• Create a strategy to add value for Ceylon spices through GI.

Food security is one of the most critical areas that need special attention in climate adaptation in Sri Lanka. Agriculture still occupies around 30 per cent of the workforce and a significant share of farmers live under poverty of all the economic sectors, agriculture is the most climate sensitive sector and climate related hazards have significantly affected the agricultural production and farm assets during the recent past.

Hence, high climate sensitivity and livelihood dependency of a large section of population makes food security a highly vulnerable sector to climate change impact that needs special attention in national adaptation plan.

• GI process in Sri Lanka initiated more than a decade back. 2 February 2022 entering a name in the register of protected designations of PGI