Raising Awareness on the importance of Urban Wetlands

In collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation we have commenced a project themed around the world wetland day celebrations 2020. The project funded by the Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia (RRC-EA) is designed to widen access to information on wetlands using a more engaging approach.

As youth play a highly influential role in the society, it is proposed to take youth (Aged 12 – 16) living in areas bordering the urban wetlands on a ‘wetland walk’. This walk will be guided by a wetland expert and it will be a perfect platform to provide them with the true feel of wetlands and to trigger interest and appreciation of the value and importance of the wetland ecosystem. This in return will emphasize the importance of enhancing and protecting the vulnerable and endangered species found within the ecosystem. Infographics will be prepared to enrich the experience; the graphics will detail the ecosystem services provided by wetlands; and provide information on charismatic species characteristic of Colombo’s urban wetlands. (Eg: saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) and Otter (Lutra lutra). Further, to maximize reach and to generate interest in prioritizing the conservation of urban wetlands a video will be produced which will speak of the ecosystem services and charismatic species of wetland ecosystems. This will be publicized widely on the organisation’s social media platforms and mainstream media outlets will be approached to carry the video to ensure the reach to a wider audience.