Discover what urban wetlands are worth

What’s a wetland worth? To the common eye, wetlands may be seen simply as unutilized areas of a city – swamps, marshes ponds. But they perform vital services for people and the environment. They’ve been dubbed “the earth’s kidneys” because of their role in purifying air and water. They also regulate humidity and water flow, and mitigate floods and droughts. And they serve as nurseries and sanctuaries for wildlife and food sources. They also provide much needed green space for the enjoyment of residents and tourists.

Eighteen sites around the world were just awarded Wetland City Accreditation by the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty that promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Colombo, Sri Lanka, is among this select group. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and WLE are helping understand and promote the true worth of the city’s unique wetland ecosystem. Wetlands mitigate flooding, incentivize green investment, bolster food security and make the city more livable for all. This is the compelling message of IWMI’s new video on the Colombo Wetlands Complex.