Workshop to mark World Wetlands Day

A Workshop to mark World Wetlands Day was held recently amidst concern over the rapidly diminishing wetlands, due to the lack of knowledge of it’s importance and the present urbanisation.

An important initiative was taken by the Sri Lanka Water Partnership ( SLWP) in collaboration with Ministry of Local Government, Economic Promotion, Power & Energy, Environmental Affairs, Water Supply & Drainage and Tourism of the Western Province in organising this Workshop for schoolchildren.

It was coordinated by Prof Deepthi Wickramasinghe of the University of the Colombo and Mr. Sujeewa Fenando of Western Provincial Council (WPC).

The main goal of this event was to discuss the role of Wetlands in Climate Change mitigation. Thus, the SLWP together with the WPC provided a platform to raise awareness on local level issues and to identify appropriate management practices which will ensure the sustainable use of the Wetlands and their contribution to mitigate Climate Change among the younger generation.

Wetlands are excellent sites for education programmes aimed at schoolchildren. Nestled and hidden away amidst the surrounding urbanisation, lies Diyasaru Park, a wild paradise of the capital. The surroundings, too, supported the Workshop, affording the participants a better understanding with 'hands-on' experience.

Significantly, a group of 75 schoolchildren including active members of the Kalutara District Environment Pioneers Club gathered at Diyasaru Park.

The event started with a bird watching session which sparked enthusiasm among the young on seeing birds, insects and other biodiverse fauna. The lecture by Mr. S a n j e ewa Chamikara on “Importance of Wetlands to mitigate Climate Change” provided insights into how Wetlands contribute to Climate Change mitigation.

A booklet on We t l a n d Conservation prepared by Prof Wickramasinghe was also launched as a part of the event and was distributed to the participants.

The students were fascinated as they explored and discovered the diversity of the Wetland Park and realised the importance of protecting this natural beauty.

Art has always powered to educate, inspire and motivate schoolchildren on Conservation. Thus a poster competition was held at the final session, under the theme, “The importance of Wetlands to mitigate impacts of Climate Change.” The schoolchildren expressed their ideas creatively, giving a wide perception to the importance of conserving Wetlands.

Wetlands are excellent sites for education programmes aimed at schoolchildren.

By Ramalka Kasige Pic by Isuru Gunarathna