Rethinking Urban Wetlands: Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Cities
Wetlands are often considered nature’s kidneys, filtering pollutants, regulating water flow, and providing habitat for diverse species. Yet, these critical ecosystems are increasingly under threat in rapidly urbanizing regions. Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city, is no exception. The wetlands within and around Colombo are essential for flood control, biodiversity conservation, and sustaining urban livelihoods. However, governance failures, encroachment, pollution, and climate change are putting these ecosystems at risk.
Colombo’s wetlands, including the Muthurajawela Marsh, Diyawanna Oya, and Beddagana Wetland Park, are vital for the city’s ecological resilience. They help mitigate urban flooding by acting as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing runoff. Additionally, these wetlands support a range of species, from migratory birds to aquatic flora, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Beyond their ecological significance, Colombo’s wetlands contribute to economic activities such as fisheries and eco-tourism, offering sustainable livelihoods to many communities.
Despite their importance, Colombo’s wetlands face governance challenges. Overlapping jurisdictions, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and inadequate urban planning contribute to their degradation. For instance, unauthorized construction, often driven by rapid urban expansion, has led to significant wetland loss. While there are conservation initiatives such as the Colombo Wetland Management Strategy, implementation gaps remain. Strengthening wetland governance through integrated policies, stricter enforcement, and community participation is crucial for the long-term sustainability.
Climate change compounds the challenges faced by urban wetlands. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events exacerbate wetland degradation. In Colombo, increased flooding and prolonged dry spells threaten wetland functions. To address these challenges, nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, sustainable drainage systems, and green infrastructure must be prioritized in urban planning.
Sustainable urban development should integrate wetland conservation into city planning. The potential of integrating wetlands into urban development strategies. Nature-based solutions, such as constructed wetlands and green corridors, enhance biodiversity while reducing urban heat island effects. Moreover, these solutions provide cost-effective flood mitigation, reducing infrastructure damage and economic losses from extreme weather events. A balanced approach that recognizes wetlands’ ecological and socio-economic value can ensure their protection while accommodating urban growth. Public awareness campaigns, community-led conservation initiatives, and stronger regulatory frameworks are essential for achieving this balance. Colombo’s wetlands are at a crossroads. Without immediate action, the city risks losing these invaluable ecosystems. Policymakers, researchers, urban planners, and citizens must collaborate to ensure that wetland conservation is at the heart of urban development strategies. Strengthening governance, incorporating climate resilience measures, and fostering sustainable practices can safeguard Colombo’s urban wetlands for future generations. As global attention on wetland conservation grows, Colombo’s experience offers valuable lessons for other rapidly urbanizing regions. The time to act is now-before these natural lifelines disappear forever.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
About the Chapter Author
Dr. M. D. K. Lakmali Gunathilaka is a postdoctoral research candidate and an ecologist and environmental scientist with extensive experience in research, teaching, and scientific publishing, specializing in aquatic ecology, environmental science, and geoinformatics. She recently completed her Ph.D. at Yunnan University. Dr. Gunathilaka has a distinguished research portfolio, having authored over 30 research papers, including a first-author publication in Environmental Science & Technology (Impact Factor: 11.357), which ranked among the top 1% of highly cited papers globally. She has also co-authored papers in leading journals such as Water Research, Freshwater Biology, and PLOS One. With a strong international research presence, Dr. Gunathilaka has collaborated with over 10 research groups worldwide, contributing to 60% of internationally co-authored publications. Dr. Gunathilaka is recognized as a top-ranking scientist in Sri Lanka and Asia, according to the AD Scientific Index. As an early-career ecologist, Dr. Gunathilaka is committed to advancing aquatic ecology, pollution research, and ecological restoration.
About the Editors of the Book
Abdelkrim Ben Salem is an Assistant Professor of Ecology and Environment in the Mohammed V University, Faculty of Sciences in Rabat, Department of Biology. He joined the University of Mohammed V after ten years as a teacher of qualifying secondary education in Draa Tafilalet Academy. Broadly, her methodological research focuses on vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. Within, Ben Salem is a PhD in environmental sciences, currently working on socioeconomic vulnerability of the agriculture and water sector to climate change. He has published interdisciplinary projects across varied outlets, including, Parasites & Vectors Journal, International Journal of Water Resources and Arid Environments and International Publisher of Information Science and Technology Research (IGI Global Scientific Publishing).
Laila Rhazi is a professor at the Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. Her research has focused on plant communities dynamics in Mediterranean wetlands in the context of global change as well as on the population biology of threatened species in the ecosystems. Her expertise was built on numerous projects throughout the Mediterranean.