Integrated Urban Freshwater Landscape at Risk

Abstract

Freshwater wetlands are more threatened than any other ecosystem in the world. The current trend of freshwater wetland crisis arises a question ‘whether it is conversion or conservation of wetlands' which is absolutely a dilemma. Therefore, this study aims critical evaluation at wetland governance and sustainability of urban wetlands in Colombo. The results reveal that the Colombo wetlands have lost their territory from a moderate to a severe degree. The wetland loss is higher in Kaduwela, Kolonnawa, and Kesbewa areas. Recently the causes of Colombo wetland loss has moved with a new frame. Land grabbing and green grabbing are the cycles that transforming the geostrategically important urban wetlands into hybrid ecosystems. Due to this, the frequency of flash flood events and inundation time has increased than ever. It is important to ensure urban freshwater wetland sustainability and surveillance following sustainable development goals and it is time to have freshwater ethics.