Urban Environment and Management

1. Importance of protecting urban
wetlands
Prepared by
M.Krishnasoban
Department of Geography
Urban Environment and Management

2. What is wetland?
• Wetlands are among the most active, diverse, and
beneficial ecosystems in nature
• Under the text of the Ramsar Convention(Article
1.1), wetlands are defined as:
“Areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether
natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with
water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt,
including areas of marine water the depth of which
at low tide does not exceed six meters"
Urban Environment and Management

3. • Urban and peri-urban wetlands are found in and around cities and
their suburbs. They include rivers and their flood plains, lakes,
swamps as well as salt marshes, mangroves and coral reefs.
• An urban wetland is a space of land that allows for greater
biodiversity and a recreation area for city residents.
Urban wetland
Urban Environment and Management

4. • Reduce flooding
Wetlands absorb flood waters. In addition mangroves, salt marshes and
coral reefs form buffers that protect coastal cities during storms surges.
In 2012 coastal wetlands along the east coast of the US, helped avoid
more than $625 million in damages from Hurricane Sandy.
• Replenish drinking water
Wetlands filter the water that seeps into ground water aquifers, which
helps to replenish this important water source.
Importance of Urban wetlands
Urban Environment and Management

5. • Filter waste and improve water quality
The silt-rich soil and abundant plant vegetation found in wetlands
functions as a water filter that absorbs harmful toxins, agricultural
pesticides and industrial waste from water
The Nakivubo Swamp in Kampala, Uganda provides natural water
filtering that is worth US$2 million per year
Urban Environment and Management

6. • Improve urban air quality
Due to the abundant water and verdant plant life, wetlands produce
moist air which naturally provides a cooling and cleansing atmosphere.
This microclimate effect provides relief in both tropical cities and in
extremely arid regions
• Promote human well-being
Urban wetlands are natural green spaces where city residents can relax
and enjoy access to a wide variety and diversity of plant and animal life.
Studies confirm that interacting with nature improves our physical and
emotional health.
Urban Environment and Management

7. • Source of employment
Wetlands provide wood for building,
reeds for weaving and medicinal
plants and fruits; all products that are
a source of income. Wetlands also
attract tourists to swim, snorkel or
birdwatch.
Urban Environment and Management

8. Sustainable strategies to protect the urban
wetlands
• Integrate wetlands in urban land use planning.
• Preserve and restore urban wetlands as well as adopt policies that
protect them.
• Involve local residents in wetland management and encourage
sustainable use practices.
• Manage water consumption and promote efficient water use
• Reduce harmful run-off of waste and pesticide
Urban Environment and Management

9. Urban Environment and Management

10. Urban Wetland Park in Sri Lanka
• Urban Wetland Park is situated on
Nawala Road in Nugegoda. Although it is
situated in an urban area it is a great
place to escape the rush and noise of the
city. The wetland park is great for walkers
and bird lovers. It is a place with lush
greenery and also includes a children’s
park inside it. Many people come here
for regular exercises, walks and for
relaxation of the mind.
Urban Environment and Management

11. Thank you
Urban Environment and Management