31 January 2012: Sri Lanka has announced its support for the conservation of dugongs by signing the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)/Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MoU). With Sri Lanka’s signature, 21 States are now signatories to the MoU. Dugongs are classified as “Vulnerable to Extinction” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, as they are exposed to incidental capture in fishing nets, loss of habitat, boat collision and unsustainable hunting practices, among other threats.

The UNEP/CMS Office – Abu Dhabi is working with Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation, IUCN Sri Lanka and Dilmah Conservation on surveys to monitor and assess dugong distribution, abundance and “hotspots” of main threats.

Under the auspices of the Dugong MOU, which is funded and hosted by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi on behalf of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is expected that more projects will be carried out with the goal of facilitating national and transboundary action on conservation of dugongs and their habitats, including finding incentives for more dugong-friendly fishing practices.

It is also hoped that other countries, including Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan, will follow Sri Lanka’s lead in joining the Dugong MOU. [CMS Press Release] [Dugong MoU Website]