The Nations Trust Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) monthly lecture on wetlands will be held on February 20 6 p.m. at the BMICH. It will provide a glimpse of their intricate relationship with people, highlighting the need for governance, science and cooperation.
Join the lecture in exploring why a paradigm shift is urgently needed to prevent wetlands from reaching a tipping point. The health of wetlands is crucial to the survival of life on earth. But what exactly are wetlands, and why is one of the oldest environmental conventions dedicated to them? Beyond water, climate regulation, biodiversity, and food, what other essential roles do they play? This lecture will answer many questions and challenge your perspectives on environmental rights.
This year’s World Wetlands Day theme, Conserving Wetlands for a Common Future, presents a valuable opportunity for the world to give wetlands the recognition they deserve. Young scientists will also join expert speakers to share their latest research findings, advocating for evidence-based conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.
From understanding the daily challenges administrators face in managing wetlands to the inspiring efforts of emerging youth leaders, the February monthly lecture will be an immersive experience and a powerful call to action to safeguard the future of wetlands — and ourselves.
The speakers are Nishantha Edirisinghe, Conservator General of Forests, responsible for managing and protecting Sri Lanka’s forests.
With decades of experience, he has been instrumental in promoting sustainable forest management and conservation; Manjula Amararathna, Director of Protected Area Management at Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation. A leading expert in wetland conservation and biodiversity, he is the National Focal Point for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands; and Dr. Chaturangi Wickramaratne, a Freshwater Ecology Researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). She leads urban wetland projects, working on research, policy, and community initiatives, and represents IWMI for the Ramsar Convention.
Ayantha Abeygunawardana, Haratha Dissanayake, Kavindi Dilshara and Sathiska Chamikara Widanage will be other resource persons.
