Conservation & development strategy for degradation of wetland eco-system: a case of Koralaipattu ds division in Batticaloa

Abstract

Wetlands are one of the world’s most important environment assets, containing a disproportionately high number of plant and animal species compared with other area. Wetland eco-system has been integral to human survival and for the development of their livelihood. In addition wetlands provide a range of resources, but there are limits to which they can be exploited. So this wetland resource helps successful income-generating activity. Therefore the case study in this paper highlights many ways in which wetlands support and improve the lives of people in the study area: Koraliapattu DSD of Batticaloa district. The main objective of the research was to identify the core issues in this wetland eco-system. Therefore, assume conservation & development strategy for sustainably protecting Wetlands ecosystem in this study area. This research used both quantitative and qualitative data. This paper was fundamentally based on primary research methods such as field survey, direct observation, questionnaire survey and interview with local people to obtain data. Through this research and innovative ideas, it would be easier to provide appropriate information for conservation & development strategy for degradation of wetland eco-system. 6.7% area represented wetland in Koralaipattu DSD with a physical and human environment. As well as wetland area represented 16.06 sq.km in Batticaloa district. According to this study, it can be found that more than 26% of people’s livelihood depends on this wetland ecosystem. The wetland also suffered further damage as people destroyed its other resources to replace those they had lost. As population increases and people need more food and water or aspire to having more money, the demands on wetlands escalate to ensure the future of wetlands and sustain many benefits they provide to local communities, growing population and improving the livelihoods of regional people. Approaches will change as people’s needs change. The best conservation & development strategic approaches will be inclusive, negotiated and flexible, empowering local people to conserve wetlands in their own landscapes, to the benefit of both current and future generations.