On 5th and 6th February 2025, Sri Lanka joined the global community in celebrating World Wetlands Day, under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”. This theme is particularly pertinent to Sri Lanka, a nation endowed with diverse wetland ecosystems that are vital for ecological balance and community livelihoods. Wetlands in Sri Lanka serve as habitats for numerous endemic species, support agriculture and fisheries, and act as natural defenses against flooding and erosion. However, these ecosystems face threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change. The theme calls for collective action to safeguard these invaluable resources, ensuring they continue to benefit both nature and society. In alignment with this global initiative, Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), in partnership with Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Tokyo Cement Group, Dole Lanka, and Cargills Ceylon PLC, orchestrated a series of events aimed at raising awareness and fostering collaborative conservation efforts.
Engaging the private sector
At the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, BSL, in partnership with the Tokyo Cement Group, hosted a high-level panel discussion focusing on Green Finance for Wetland Conservation on 6th February 2025. The forum convened experts from finance, environmental science, and policy-making sectors to explore sustainable funding mechanisms for wetland preservation. Discussions highlighted the economic valuation of wetlands and the integration of green finance into national strategies, emphasizing the necessity of public-private partnerships in mobilizing resources for conservation.
Key speakers at the event:
Ms. Chaturangi Wickramaratne (Researcher – Freshwater Ecologist, IWMI) highlighted how wetlands contribute to both ecological and economic stability, emphasizing the need for green finance integration into national economic strategies.
An interesting panel discussion was held moderated by BSL’s Senior Technical Advisor Ms Shiranee Yasaratne. The panelists included:
- Environmental Economist Lucy Emerton, who discussed the economic valuation of wetlands as a means of strengthening conservation policies.
- Nishantha Edirisinghe (Conservator General of Forests), who elaborated on Sri Lanka’s policy framework for wetland and mangrove conservation, focusing on the role of carbon offsetting initiatives.
- Professor Sewwandi Jayakody (Wayamba University), who explained how wetlands contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
- Dr. Lalith Weragoda (Sampath Bank), who emphasized the growing role of the private sector in financing sustainable wetland conservation projects.
A Call for Stronger Public-Private Collaboration
The discussions stressed the importance of aligning Sri Lanka’s conservation goals with nature-based solutions, carbon offset strategies, and sustainable finance models. A key takeaway was the need for enhanced collaboration between policymakers, financial institutions, and conservation experts to ensure the long-term protection of wetlands. The event concluded with a call to action for increased investment in wetland restoration, stronger policy support, and innovative financial mechanisms to bridge conservation efforts with economic sustainability.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Conservation
The events organized by BSL exemplify a holistic approach to wetland conservation, combining education, financial investment, and policy dialogue. By aligning local initiatives with the global theme, Sri Lanka demonstrates its commitment to preserving wetlands as a shared responsibility. As the world prepares for the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in July 2025, these efforts underscore the importance of unified action in protecting wetlands for our common future.
Through these initiatives, BSL reaffirmed its commitment to wetland conservation and underscored the indispensable role of the private sector, financial institutions, and youth engagement in driving meaningful environmental change. As Sri Lanka continues to face ecological challenges, such proactive efforts will be essential in securing the future of its wetland ecosystems.
