Sri Lanka’s land use patterns indicate that the country is predominantly rural, with agriculture as the main economic activity.
Paddy fields, which are used for rice cultivation, cover the majority of the agricultural land. However, there is also a significant amount of marshy land, which has historically been undervalued and often neglected in terms of land use planning and development.
Wetlands and marshlands are important ecosystems that provide a wide range of benefits, including flood control, water filtration and habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. They also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Wetlands and marshlands are particularly important in Sri Lanka, where they provide critical habitat for migratory birds and support a diverse range of fish and aquatic species. Additionally, these ecosystems are important for the livelihoods of many communities, as they support traditional fishing practices and provide resources for agriculture and medicinal plants. Despite their importance, wetlands and marshlands in Sri Lanka are facing significant threats from development, pollution and climate change, highlighting the need for conservation and sustainable management of these valuable ecosystems.
Marshy landscapes, also known as wetlands, are essential ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to both the environment and society. They act as natural water filtration systems, purifying water by trapping and filtering pollutants and sediments. Marshes also help to control floods and erosion by absorbing excess water during heavy rainfalls and releasing it slowly over time.
In addition, marshes provide habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are threatened or endangered. They are also important breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic species, which support local fishing industries.
From a social and economic perspective, marshy landscapes offer numerous benefits. They provide opportunities for outdoor recreation such as bird-watching, hiking and fishing, which can attract tourists and contribute to local economies. Marshes can also support traditional livelihoods such as farming and fishing, and can serve as important cultural and spiritual sites for local communities.
Marshy landscapes in Sri Lanka face a range of threats that put their ecological and economic importance at risk. These threats include land reclamation for development, pollution from agricultural runoff and wastewater, illegal dumping and encroachment by invasive species. Additionally, the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise and more frequent extreme weather events, pose a further threat to marshland ecosystems.
These threats not only impact the bio-diversity of marshy landscapes but also jeopardise the vital ecosystem services they provide, including water purification, flood control and carbon sequestration. Urgent action is needed to protect and conserve marshy landscapes and their invaluable contributions to Sri Lanka’s natural and economic systems.
The valuation of marshy landscapes requires a different approach compared to the valuation of other types of land. Marshy landscapes have unique characteristics and ecological value that must be taken into account when determining their value. The valuation process should consider the ecosystem services that marshy landscapes provide, such as water purification, flood control and bio-diversity conservation. It is also essential to consider the potential economic benefits of marshy landscapes, such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. The valuation process should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the physical, ecological and economic characteristics of the marshy landscape. By valuing marshy landscapes accurately, it is possible to ensure their conservation and sustainable use while also providing economic benefits to the local communities.
Valuing wetlands and marshy landscapes can be challenging due to various reasons. Firstly, the diverse ecosystems present in these areas can make it difficult to assign a precise value to them.
Wetlands and marshy landscapes provide various ecological services that are difficult to quantify, such as water purification, carbon sequestration and flood control. Secondly, these areas are often undervalued or underestimated due to their perceived lack of economic significance. Thirdly, the lack of standardised valuation methods for wetlands and marshy landscapes makes it challenging to compare and assess their worth accurately. Finally, the encroachment and degradation of these areas due to human activities and development can make it difficult to determine their current and future value. Therefore, valuing wetlands and marshy landscapes requires careful consideration of ecological, social, and economic factors to determine their true value.