Wetland Restoration and Management: A Case Study in Bundala Ramsar Site

Abstract

Bundala wetland is a unique ecosystem, internationally recognized as a Ramsar site since 1990.Climate changes such as increasing temperature, extreme rainfall events, long droughts and sea water intrusion has highly impacted on wetland ecosystems. Further, disposal of agricultural waste water to lagoons has deteriorated the quality of the lagoon ecosystem. This study attempted to investigate the present situation of Bundala lagoon and to explore the stakeholders' perspectives on sustainable wetland management Participatory rural appraisal tools and focus group discussions were used as the data collection methods. Resource map shows that there are three anchorage sites; three lagoons for inland fisheries, two turtle conservation sites and a salt factory which provide benefits to the inhabitants. Field observations and focus group discussions provide ample evidences for the degradation of ecosystem values. Brackish water lagoons have been completely changed into fresh water ponds, covered with prominent fresh water vegetation such as water lilies. Palu {M anilkara heandra) trees are one of the dominant woody plants existed in the wetland seems to be dying off due to unknown reasons. Many stakeholders believe that agricultural waste water which contains high concentration of chemicals and climate change may among the causes for such impacts though has not scientifically proved y et At present the spreading of invasive plant species (Kalapu Andara - Prosopis cineraria and Pathok - Opuntiadillenii) has become the main threats to its unique biodiversity. Results of the pairwise ranking show that there is a reduction of direct use benefits. Benefits from the Saltern has been ranked as the first followed by agriculture and fishing. Findings of the historical profile clearly show this transformation. However, the results found that people still concern the conservation. They have identified that biodiversity, ecotourism and lagoon fish production as the priority areas for sustainable wetland management This study concludes that unique ecological resource has seriously degraded and the needs of a sustainable management plan in order to ensure this distinctive highly diverse ecosystem to future generations.