Conservation of urban wetlands through birds and citizen science: Pilot testing the approach in selected wetlands in Colombo district

What is Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL)

• A non profit, non governmental organization attached to the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo

• Providing a platform for nature lovers, bird watchers to share knowledge and experiences

• Establish global links with similar interest groups in other parts of the world

Our Membership

Philosophy

Once a Member Always a

CONSERVATIONIST

1976 – March 2017

The projectto pilot test the Conservation of Urban wetlands by utilizing birds as the umbrella species and through the application of Citizen Science approach in five selected wetlands within the Colombo district.

This project will be a part and parcel of the programmes planned to commemorate the 40th anniversary of FOGSL in 2016.

The project has the following objectives:

1. Create urban ecological awareness among citizens including school children

2. Initiate monitoring and data collection programmes in selected urban wetlands by employing the citizen science approach involving public volunteers and school children

3. Develop ecological sustainability in e selected urban wetland systems as models for conserving the biological wealth contained in these parks with the involvement of general public and concerned institutions

The sites

During the recent past several Wetlands and associated environments have been designated as “Urban Parks” with main objectives of controlling the seasonal floods in the city while providing a better environment for the citizens of Colombo, especially for recreational purposes.

Preliminary investigations by FOGSL had shown that these urban parks attract large number of local and migrant birds, yet the people who utilized these parks are not aware about the rich biodiversity associated with them.

Beddagana Wetland Park (18 ha)

Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Study Park

Weli Park, Nugegoda

Thalangama Tank

Diyatha Uyana

Activities undertaken

1. Capacity building at site levels

1.1 Interpretation through placement signage and provision of a LD TV

Interpretation cont..

1.2. Train ground level staff

Provide binoculars

1.4 Shramadana (Volunteer cleaning) activities

2. Production of Awareness materials

Awareness and Education

International exposure - FOGSL 40year Anniversary Bird Fair and Ceremonial Tree Planting - Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Study Park

Activities to be undertaken

• Establishment of a vigilant group for wetland protection

• Conduct a policy level dialogue

• Invasive species eradication and data base establishment

• Continue with awareness programmes and interpretation activities

Impact and project sustainability

• The project has reached out to many concerned citizens and school children through the implementation of the activities in wetland parks of Beddagana Thalawathugoda and Weli Park in Nugegoda.

With growing popularity as recreational areas, the three wetland parks have seen an increased number of visitors since the implementation of the project. Bird monitoring by the citizens as well as school children offer valuable information for agencies and organizations working to protect wetlands.

• Close collaborations between the grantee and governmental organizations such UDA, SLLRDC and the CEA as well as with NGOss have been successful in taking the message to the wider public.

• Being part of the management committee in Beddagana Wetland Park provided FOGSL an opportunity to directly influence its management.

• FOGSL being part of a leading University of Sri Lanka with over 40 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and the volunteer contribution of our members has been a key factor in making this process a success and sustainable.

Lessons learned

October 2016

Thank You…………………