Our wetlands, including coastal mangroves and inland marshes, are vital to the country's ecological and economic development. These ecosystems provide essential services such as shoreline protection from erosion and support for fisheries, which are crucial for the livelihoods of many communities. However, these wetlands face several threats, including pollution, urbanisation, and unchecked agricultural expansion.

A recent report by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) suggests that debt for nature swaps could be a game changer in conserving these ecosystems. Under this financial mechanism, a country has some of its debt forgiven in exchange for a commitment to environmental conservation projects. According to the Director of the IIED's Sustainable Markets Research Group, Laura Kelly, this innovative financing approach is essential for countries like Sri Lanka, which are grappling with debt and vulnerable to climate change impacts such as the rising sea level that threatens wetlands and coastal areas.

To read the full story visit: https://www.themorning.lk/articles/LELrhu0Ip0ILRP5tXFZx‍

Photo credits: Yanik Tissera