Wetlands as eco-systems with higher bio-diversity

Conservation of Wetlands :

By Indeewara Thilakarathne

[email protected]
 

The eco-systems that the nature endowed in a country are very important for its beauty and for the bio-diversity.

Sri Lanka remains on top among the countries with higher degree of bio-diversity owing to its different eco-systems.

In this regard, entire country can be considered as a wetland because Sri Lanka has large number of rivers, waterways and is a country surrounded by sea.

Earlier wetlands were considered as dumping grounds for garbage.

However after studies, wetlands have been identified as eco-systems with higher degree of bio-diversity. International Community has recognized the importance of protecting wetlands as they functions as lunge of an eco-system.

In Sri Lanka wetlands are important in storing water and also preventing floods while protecting bio-diversity of the country.

Sri Lanka has become a paradise for migratory birds because of the wetlands. As the migratory birds can not fly beyond south owing to the geographical position of the country, the bird sanctuaries such as Kumana and Bundala are very important wetlands.In recognizing importance of wetlands, Ministry of Environment launched a Wetland Dictionary. As up to six meter from the territorial water is considered as wetlands, the cooperation of the public is important in protecting tanks like Minneriya, mangroves and wetlands like Aththidiya and Muturajawela.

Sri Lanka has ratified The Ramsar Convention Wetlands (RAMSAR) which is being implemented by Department of Forestry and Wildlife Conservation stated Minister of Environment Patali Champika Ranawaka in explaining the important role that wetlands play in the country as eco-systems.

Minister has further pointed out that indiscriminate reclamation of wetlands, constructing buildings on wetland and using them as dumping ground for garbage, has become an issue.

Minister emphasized the fact that Ministry is attempting to prevent environment pollution and conservation of wetlands through raising awareness and making people sensitive to environment rather than punishing the wrong-doers.

NATIONAL POLICY ON WETLANDS

The Need for a National Policy on Wetlands

2.1. Wetlands are threatened by human activities including reclamation, waste disposal, industrial and domestic effluent discharge, harvesting of vegetation for firewood and other uses and invasive exotic species. The degradation of wetland habitats carries a high economic, social and ecological cost.

2.2. Although a number of legislative and policy instruments impact on wetland management, a separate policy framework is desirable in view of the specific threats these ecosystems face, and the opportunities they offer for sustainable management.

3. Principles

3.1. Principles of sustainable use; acknowledgement of interdependence; “polluter pays”; recognition and use of traditional knowledge will guide this policy.

3.2. While taking socio-economic necessities into consideration, the application of the precautionary principle will help resolve issues relating to the management and wise use of wetlands.

3.3. Wetland management, including both planning and implementation, will involve participation by all stakeholders and especially local communities.

3.4. The need to conserve the downstream wetlands is recognised when designing and implementing upstream development projects.

3.5. Awareness of values of wetlands, and benefits that can be accrued by their sustainable management is ensured among all stakeholders including the general public.

4. Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to-

4.1. Protect and conserve wetland ecosystems;

4.2. Prevent illegal utilisation of wetlands;

4.3. Restore and maintain the biological diversity and productivity of wetlands;

4.4. Enhance ecosystem services from wetland habitats;

4.5. Assure sustainable use of wetlands and traditional practices by local communities, and

4.6. Meet national commitments as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

5. Policy Directions

5.1. Wetland Management

5.1.1. All wetlands will be zoned and classified according to the levels of ecological, utilitarian, international, national and local significance, inventoried with clearly defined ownership through appropriate legal

reforms where necessary, and managed sustainably on the basis of appropriate management mechanisms.

5.1.2. Privately owned wetlands will be brought under appropriate management systems, if necessary through appropriate legal reforms.

5.1.3. Wetland management will be integrated into land use plans at all levels.

5.1.4. The restoration of degraded wetlands will be given priority.

5.1.5. Sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing, habitat conservation and integrated management at all stages, will involve participatory and collaborative processes.

5.1.6. Active and informed participation of civil society in the conservation of wetlands will be encouraged.

5.1.7. Sustainable financing mechanisms through local and foreign sources will be developed for the management and wise use of wetlands.

5.2. Institutional Arrangement

5.2.1. Local level Wetland Management Committees will be established with the assistance of government agencies responsible for wetlands, under the provisions of the National Environment Act and divisional, district, and provincial level committees will be established as appropriate to facilitate these committees.

5.2.2. A multi-stakeholder National Wetland Steering Committee will be

established for the purpose of advising on wetland issues, and a National Wetland Management Unit established by the Ministry in charge of the subject of environment, to oversee and facilitate policy implementation.

5.2.3. Existing legislation will be revised as necessary, to bring it into conformity with this policy.

5.3. Inter-sectoral Linkages

5.3.1. The principles of sound wetland ecosystem management will be integrated into sectoral plans at all levels. Development activities in wetland areas will be required to be consistent with such plans.

5.4. Research and Development and Education

5.4.1. Research programmes that facilitate conservation, sustainable use, restoration and adaptive management of wetlands will be promoted. The

results of such research will be integrated into the management process.

5.4.2. Training, education and awareness on wetland conservation will be

promoted at various levels on a continuous basis.