IUCN Sri Lanka

Being an island, Sri Lanka is rich in coastal and marine habitats. Sub-target_idal habitats such as coral and rocky reefs are abundant, along with large soft bottom habitats. In addition, inter-target_idal and coastal habitats are an important part of the marine ecosystem and provide shelter for a large number of plant and animal species.

This publication presents the proceedings of the National Symposium on Wetland Conservation and Management held in 2003 in Colombo. An Introduction to Wetland Conservation in Sri Lanka is followed by ten papers on various themes on wetlands presented by eminent scientists along with the recommendations arising from the symposium.

The Muthurajawela Marsh is part of an integrated coastal wetland system of high biodiversity and ecological significance. Yet it is subject to intense and growing pressures from urban, residential, recreational and industrial development. The short-term economic gains that have influenced land and resource use decisions have neglected to take into consideration the economic value of wetland goods and services.

The Maduganga estuary and mangrove islets are a complex coastal wetland ecosystem situated in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Currently not a protected area, Maduganga has been recognised as a priority wetland for conservation because of its rich biodiversity.