The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and Embassy of Switzerland will hold an exhibition titled ‘Climate Trail’ for the first time in Asia.

The exhibition will be held March 12 to 17 from 10 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. at the Public Library, Colombo 7. Entrance is of free of charge.

Switzerland Ambassador Ruth Flint said Climate Trail exhibition is a way of sharing their experiences with Switzerland’s partners in the world, at a press conference yesterday.

She said the exhibition consists of a series of 36 posters and experts comments on issues related to climate change.

The Ambassador said the exhibition offers an interactive opportunity to learn about global warming and encourages multidisciplinary discussions about how to pursue a more sustainable lifestyle.

She said that Switzerland had been working for 30 years on emissions but still there is lot to be done. "We feel this concerns all of us. Switzerland and Sri Lanka - are bothsmall countries."

The Climate Trail exhibition describes the greenhouse effect and contributors to global warming, details its impact and other solutions, some of which already adopted by Switzerland in recent decades, including transportation initiatives, low carbon-footprint construction, renewable energy and strategies for sustainable living, she said.

She said that they selected Sri Lanka as the first country in Asia primarily because of the initiative and commitment of Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Ambassador Flint said that owing to the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry and Embassy the Sri Lankan public has the opportunity to enjoy the enriching outdoor experience.

It is understood that in the United States the exhibition had been a great success.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Champika Ranawaka said last year 15 per cent of the paddy harvest was destroyed due to floods and this year drought had played havoc on some of the cultivations and affected fruits and vegetable cultivation.

Ministry Secretary M. A. R. D. Jayathilake said they have identified that Sri Lanka is a highly vulnerable country to climate change and accordingly has taken steps to respond to this calamity in a responsible mannar.

He said the ministry is actively collaborating with the relevant line agencies in implementing climate change adaptation measures and is engaged in developing the National Climate Change Policy and National Clean Development Mechanism Policy.

To implement national priorities on the climate change agenda, they will be facilitating the implementation of the Haritha Lanka Programme in collaboration with the relevant institutions, he said.