1. Project Proposal
Prepared for : SLLR&DC
Prepared by : University of Colombo CSR Unit - Group F
Project Title : Wetland Walk
Time-frame : 6 Months (Sep 2014 - Jan 2015)
Date : September 23, 2014
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KOLONNAWA -WETLAND DEVELOPMENT
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Contacts:
Deputy General Manager (Wetland Management)
Dr. N S Wijayaratne
Phone no :-011-2866896
E-mail:- sllrdcppm@sltnet.lk
Project Co-Ordinator(SLLR&DC) Project Co-Ordinator(Colombo University)
Mrs. Chethika Dr.Deepthi
Phone no :- 077-741 7296 Phone no :- 077-741 7296
E-mail:- sllrdcwmu@gmail.com E-mail:- w_deepthi@yahoo.com
Group Members
Phone no E-mail
Santhuka de Silva 071 018 0012 santhuka@gmail.com
Chathuranga Silva 071 708 3144 mudithsilva@gmail.com
Padmasankha Gurusinghe 071 961 6816 gpadmasankha@gmail.com
Lahiru Amaratunga 077 928 2738 ltamaratunga@gmail.com
Hasith Ranasinghe 077 035 3555 hasith.rc@gmail.com
Damitha Wijeratne 071 304 7006 sodamithawijeratne@gmail.com
Hasitha R Jayasekara 071 931 6531 hasithar.90@gmail.com
Ruwantha Madushan 075 729 8186 maduruwamr@gmail.com
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4. Objectives
• Build the proposed bridges as an entrance to the wetland.
• Clean and develop the dam
• Complete the board walk at least up to the watch tower.
• Build the watch tower
• Implement benches and other resting places.
• Implement information boards.
• Arrange activities for children and adults.
• Clean the canal and other water resources.
• Replace plants to improve the value of the wetland.
• Educate the near residencies about the value of the wetland.
• Ensure the safety of the implemented facilities.
Goals
• Secure the wetland and improve it for its expected benefits.
• Secure the life and eco-system of the wetland.
• Create an educational environment in the wetland.
• Success as a nature trail. (wetland park)
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5. Project Outline
Kolonnawa wetland is considered as a “virgin wetland” compared to the other urban wetlands in the Colombo city.
It is an untouched wetland which provides the city with flood security, water allocation, biodiversity enhancement
and energy production. Since we’re increasingly loosing wetland areas in the urban city of Colombo, it is
important to consider how to conserve the Kolonnawa wetland and make wise-use of it to improve human
wellbeing and livelihood resilience.
This project outlines an educational nature trail in the wetland where people will able to feel the environment
and understand the importance of protecting it. This project will enhance bird watching, butterfly study, wetland
plant education, wetland water resources and soil studies and leisure activities with a minimal damage to the
wetland. The eco-system and the other key features of the wetland will be developed after the official studies to be
carried out in the future stages of the project.
Currently the wetland is separated from the land by a canal which is built around it to minimise the
disturbance caused by the neighbourhood. With this project, entrance bridges will be introduced to the wetland
and a board walk will cover the diverse areas of the wetland with enhanced beauty of a nature park. A watch
tower, resting places, resting benches, information boards and leisure activities will be implemented at key points
identified in the field visits with the consideration of minimal damage to the wetland and safety of the public.
More importantly, this kind of a project has not been carried out yet in a Sri Lankan wetland. Because of that, this
will create a way to open discussions about the conservation and the importance of wetland areas in the country
which will lead to informative knowledge bases about the environment. Many other countries have been able to
carry out successful projects in wetlands and achieved greater results. So it is time to make a commitment and
provide the best possible living conditions to the society through a successful project.
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6. WETLAND DEVELOPMENT
WHY WETLAND DEVELOPMENT IS IMPORTANT?
Beyond definitions, wetlands are essential ecological features in any landscape. They are primary habitat for
hundreds of species as well as many other birds, fish, mammals and insects. Wetlands naturally filter and recharge
the water that later comes out of our downstream. They act like giant sponges, slowing the flow of surface water
and reducing the impact of flooding.
Wetlands also prevent soil erosion, and they buffer water bodies from potentially damaging land use activities such
as agriculture. And wetlands can remove and store greenhouse gases from the Earth's atmosphere, slowing the
onset of global warming. Wetlands are highly productive communities and provide habitat and food resources for a
wide range of species. Wetlands have a high level of nutrients and coupled with the availability of water they
provide ideal habitat for fish, amphibians, shellfish, and insects. Additionally, many birds and mammals rely on
wetlands for food, water, breeding grounds, and shelter.
Wetlands provide important locations for scientific research and play an important role in educating people about
biodiversity and natural processes. Universities and educational institutions conduct research into the ecological
response of river flows, flooding and environmental watering of wetlands, and the response of plants and animals
such as colonial nesting water birds, to environmental watering.
Wetlands are used by schools, universities and the public to learn about the ecological importance of wetlands
and the other benefits and services they provide to the community. If wetlands are lost, the cost of replacing them
can be extremely expensive, if at all possible, Lost wetlands can result in a city having to invest more money in
drinking water treatment or higher costs to citizens for flood management.
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7. KOLONNAWA WETLAND
• Total Distance ( around wetland boundary line ) :- 4.19 km (2.6 mi)
• Total area :- 287,230.0900000001 m² (3,091,718.92 ft²)
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8. Few decades ago this area was used to cultivation and some industrial activities such as brick factory and paddy
fields .As time passes, this area has become fallowness. Then afterwards slowly this area has been converted in to
a wetland. Early stages of this wetland, the whole system was enriched with higher bio-diversity. But now Pond
Apple ( Annona glabra ) has been becoming as one of the worst weeds in Wetlands because of its invasiveness,
potential for spread, and environmental and economic impacts. Hence the whole system need to has Restoration,
Creation, and Recovery. There is a canal around the wetland which was built to ensure the safety of the wetland.
This canal help to protect the boundary from human activities around the wetland. But now it's pathetic to see
how human activities destroy the wetland eco system. Sewage lines and solid waste are all around the wetland
canal and canal bank. This leads to a serious threat to the imbalance of the wetland system.
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9. Project Study
URBAN PARK VS. NATURE PARK
Urban park
An urban park is also known as green space because it provides some trees, grass or plants in an area that is
otherwise made up of concrete and pavement. Urban parks are accessible to the public. The amenities these
open green spaces offer vary depending on each park. Larger urban parks may have many recreation options,
such as soccer or baseball fields, boating ramps and tennis courts. Even the smallest urban park usually has a few
walking trails as well as benches or picnic tables. The main idea behind having public parks in cities is to provide a
relaxing outdoor space as well as spaces for walking or other physical fitness activities.
Nature Park
Nature parks are protected nature and cultural landscapes that are formed by the joint actions of humans and
nature. The designation "Nature Park" thereby does not represent any particular nature reserve category, but rather
a title that can be conferred upon existing protected areas. While the protected areas primarily serve to protect the
natural and cultural landscape, a "nature park" is additionally a platform for recreation, eco-tourism, environmental
education, research and regional development. The five intersecting areas of responsibility enable nature parks to
function as model regions for sustainable development.
In this project ,it is important to know about what are we going to implement on the wetland. And also need to
clearly identify about how the nature park different from urban park. Wetland is a highly sensitive eco system,
hence clearly this system should not include any features of an urban park.
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10. SELECT ENTRANCE FOR THE WETLAND PARK
Another important activity is to select entrance for the wetland park. To select most suitable entrance we went to
the wetland park for three days by using three different location. We have collected below listed points in all
locations and analyzed what is the most suitable entrance for the wetland.
• Easy access.
• Lower disturbance
• Car park facilities.
• Selected area's wetland environment.
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OPTION NO :- 01
OPTION NO :- 02
OPTION NO :- 03
11. We have identified 3 locations which are suitable for the entrance :-
OPTION 01
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TEMPLE
HIGHLY POPULATED AREA
OPTION 02 :-
12. By observing above 3 options , it's clear that option 3 is the most suitable location to implement the main entrance
to the wetland park
POINTS/OPTIONS OPTION 01 OPTION 02 OPTION 03
Easy Access Narrow roads .
There is a Temple near the
entrace.
No any public bus route
near the location.
Narrow roads.
High populated area.
170m to the new
Gothatuwa main road.
Near to the new
Gothatuwa main road.
Less populated area.
Disturbance High
Disturbance ,because of
high populated area.
Entrace is high likely to
disturb the temple silent
atmosphere.
High
Disturbance ,because of
high populated area.
Lower Disturbance
Car Park Facilities NO Car park facility NO Car park facility Around 850 m² parking
facility.( need a survey to
calculate the real data and
feasibility)
Wetland Environment Less attractive, less
diverse wetland area
Highly attractive,relatively
more diverse area than
option 01.
Highly attractive,relatively
more diverse area than
option 01.
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OPTION 03 :-
LESS POPULATED AREA.
NEAR TO THE MAIN ROAD
13. THREATS TO WETLAND
Pond Apple (Annona glabra)
Pond apple is a semi-deciduous woody tree, usually about 3–6 m tall, although it can grow up to 15 m. The plants
have alternate leaves, 70–120 mm long with a prominent midrib. The leaves have a light- to dark-green upper
surface It is regarded as one of the worst weeds in wetland because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and
economic and environmental impacts. Introduced as grafting stock for the closely related custard apple, it is a very
hardy tree and an aggressive invader. Over time the dense thickets it forms can gradually replace everything else in
the canopy and create an undesirable new habitat. While pond apple is considered an environmental weed, its
commercial impacts are also increasing as it spreads Unlike many weeds, it can invade and transform undisturbed
areas.
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14. Pond apple is an aggressive invader of native wetlands, reducing biodiversity and threatening some rare species of
flora and fauna. Pond apple is difficult to manage because it grows in sensitive areas and control methods must
avoid adverse impacts on non-target plants or the surrounding environment. It also grows in areas that are hard,
and sometimes dangerous, to access.
The challenge is to ensure early detection and control of all new infestations .Pond apple’s massive seed
production can result in thick carpet of seed covering the ground. Disturbance, either natural or of human origin,
can play an important role in encouraging infestations. For example, cyclones create gaps in the canopy and let in
light, helping pond apple to grow. Pond apple can grow in the same environments as native mangroves. It can
withstand extensive flooding and trees can spend weeks at a time with their roots under water. It does well on
riverbanks, in naturally open or disturbed wetlands, and in rainforests. However, it does not thrive in areas that are
permanently flooded or too shady. The wide range of habitats being invaded by pond apple includes stream and
river banks wetlands, mangrove communities.
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15. RESTORATION,CREATION,RECOVERY
In the Restoration phase, it's clear that pond apple tree has become a threat to maintain the balance of the
wetland eco system. Therefore in the Restoration phase, it is essential to remove unwanted pond apple trees and
replace other wetland plants to maintain the balance. Prevention and early intervention are the most cost-effective
methods of controlling Pond Apple. It usually grows in sensitive areas so methods should be chosen that do not
have an adverse impact on non-target plants or on the surrounding environment. And also it is important to initiate
a schedule to manage pond apple plant. These three phases will take at least 1 year to complete above
objectives. Hence it's not practical to do with in our 6 months service learning schedule. But it should be included
in latter part of this project.
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16. Project Methodology
ENTRANCE
The most suitable location for the entrance is the option 03,which is located near to the New Gothatuwa road bus
route. We have identified below activities to carry out initial stage of the project.
A. Clear the area near the main road and prepare the land to build a car park and an entrance gate.
B. Design and build an Entrance gate.( Using Timber )
C. Design and build a bridge across the kolonnawa canal( Around 26m long, width 5-6m , material - timber ).
D. Grow some Bamboo trees to cover residential areas.( optional ).
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17. BOARD WALK
BLUE LINE :- Suggested board walk with in remaining 4 months of service learning program
RED LINE :- Board walk for Phase 2 of this project.
The requested board walk is around 960m long and in the first phase we are expecting to build 550m ( include
path around canal and board walk ).This board walk will be ended in the wide open area of the wetland.This open
area was covered with Ludwigia Decurrens plants.We have identified below activities to carry out Board walk.
A. Clear the suggested area of canal bank.
B. Design and build walk along the canal bank ( Using timber,iron bars and cement/ 200m long width 5-6m )
C. Clear the suggested area of Board walk.
D. Design and build Board walk( Using timber ,cement bars for the basement if needed/ 350m long width 5-6m )
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BOARD WALK
PATH AROUND
THE CANAL
BANK
18. WATCH TOWER
Suggested watch tower should be faced to the open area,where the open area is covered with Ludwigia
Decurrens plants. We have identified below activities to build watch towers.
A. Clear the area.
B. Design & build watch tower.( using timber and iron bars,height 5-6m from the board walk )
C. Observe where to place artificial pond.
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WATCH TOWER
LUDWIGIA DECURRENS
19. ACTIVITIES
To give the new experience to the tourists, it is useful to design some activities within the wetland park without
disturbing the eco system. There are some suggestion to make this nature trail more exiting and adventurous.
• Tarzan rope / High ropes
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20. • Step path
These concepts can use as an alternate path for those like to do adventurous activities. Kids, teens or even youth
can enjoy these activities..These suggested activities will be implemented after the completion of the board walk.
Most suitable areas for initiate these activities will be decided after specialists recommendation.
INFORMATION BOARDS
Information boards, or interpretation panels, provide facts, information and guidance to visitors and can increase
their interest or enjoyment of a site e.g. by highlighting what wetland life to look out for, showing how land use has
changed over time, outlining footpaths and access routes and encouraging responsible behavior.
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21. Project Cost
Building the entering bridge
labour costs
material costs
transportation costs
Clearing the canal
labour costs
machines and tools costs
Building the boardwalk
Design and architecture costs
Material costs
Path clearing costs
labour and expert knowledge costs
machines and tools costs
Towers ,benches and rest areas.
Design and architecture costs
Material costs
machines and tools costs
labour costs
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22. Entrance and Information desks costs
Entrance building costs
Information acquiring costs
Printing costs
Other costs
Expert knowledge costs
Safety concerns
Biodiversity enhancement costs
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32. Start Date Duration End Date
Requirement Phase 2/9/2014 24 days 26/9/2014
Visit the Wetland Management Head Office 2/9/2014 1 day 2/9/2014
Wetland Visit 01 5/9/2014 1 day 5/9/2014
Gather Info on Wetlands 5/9/2014 5 days 8/9/2014
Identify Required Establishments 5/9/2014 5 days 8/9/2014
Design a Presentation 5/9/2014 5 days 5/9/2014
Present the Presentation 9/9/2014 1 days 9/9/2014
Wetland Visit 02 12/9/2014 1 day 12/9/2014
Identify Wetland Environment 12/9/2014 1 day 12/9/2014
Identify Entrance Location 12/9/2014 1 day 12/9/2014
Map observation 13/9/2014 3 days 16/9/2014
Wetland Visit 03 19/9/2014 1 days 19/9/2014
Design a Presentation 19/9/2014 3 days 22/9/2014
Presenation of proposal 23/9/2014 1 day 23/9/2014
Project Proposal 23/9/2014 4 days 26/9/2014
Design Phase
Meet the engineer
Develop a plan for the bridge
Design the walking path
Design the Watch Tower
Design the Benches
Design Bird Hides
Wetland Visit 04
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33. Confirm Locations for Establishments
Confirm Path for the walking path
Confirm Bridge Plan
Design and Present a Presentation
Meet the knowledge personnel
Estimate required resources
Estimate need of wood
Estimate need of Cement
Estimate need of personnel
Estimate need of machines
Estimate other resource needs
Find suppliers for the resources
Estimate Budget
Design and Present a Presentation
Development Phase
Bridge
Dig holes
Set vertical poles
Set foundation
Wet walk
Benches
Bench 01
Bench 02
Start Date Duration End Date
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