It is World Wetlands Day!

1. What is World Wetlands Day?

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2^nd February to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention in Ramsar, Iran, on 2^nd February 1971. It is a convention on wetlands of international importance.

2. What is the theme of Wetlands Day 2021?

“Wetlands and Water”

Life relies on water. A wetland is an important freshwater ecosystem. Ecosystems are important to the regulation of Earth. Wetland and water represent Earth and life on it.  

3. What is a wetland?

Wetland is a habitat that is associated with flora and fauna communities with a permanent or temporary accumulation of water.

4. What are the functions of them?

• Mitigation of floods
• Preventing coastal erosion
• Removal of toxic compounds
• Act as a carbon sink
• Breeding habitats for fishes and some aquatic species

5. How many Ramsar wetlands are there in Sri Lanka?

There are 6 Ramsar sites in Sri Lanka namely Vankalai Sanctuary, Wilpattu Ramsar Wetland Cluster, Annaiwilundawa Tanks Sanctuary, Madu Ganga, Bundala, and Kumana Wetland cluster.

6. What are the urban wetlands in Colombo District, Sri Lanka?

• Baddagana wetland
• Diyasauru wetland
• Heen ela wetland
• Kolonnawa wetland
• Kotte wetland
• Maddinnagoda wetland
• Mulleriyawa wetland
• Thalangama wetland

They make cities liveable in many important ways. They reduce flooding, replenish drinking water, filter waste, provide urban green spaces, and are a source of livelihoods

7. What are the uses of wetlands?

• Water supply and transportation for domestic and irrigation activities
• Provide agricultural products, fish and crustaceans for consumptions
• Ornamental value of fish and plants
• Hydro power
• Attract tourists

8. What are the threats to wetlands?   

• Habitat degradation
• Overexploitation of wetland plants and animals
• The spread of invasive alien species
• Natural phenomena such as prolonged drought

9. What are the wetland conservation measures that are implemented in Sri Lanka? 

• Using the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of 1937, they have been declared by the Department of Wildlife Conservation as sanctuaries and other protected areas.
• Sri Lanka signed the RAMSAR Convention in 1971 but it came into force in 1990.
• National Wetland Policy is drafted to enhance the conservation of wetlands.
• A wetland management unit has been established under the Central Environmental Authority.

References:

• http://lk.chm-cbd.net/?page_id=184
• http://www.dailynews.lk/2019/04/19/features/183295/conserving-wetlands-sri-lanka

Image courtesy:

• Featured Image – https://images.app.goo.gl/7Mztnsmwu6pGNQP36
• https://images.app.goo.gl/4K1dnNjPEE2iTByf7
• https://images.app.goo.gl/JtNekkKsY9497vXx6
• https://images.app.goo.gl/E29ixEUCQr6qZNsbA

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