The uniqueness of the fishing cat has made it a flagship species to champion the protection of wetlands. Photo courtesy: Emmanuel Keller
Politics
How the fishing cat became a symbol of wetland conservation in Sri Lanka
Colombo has lost nearly 40 percent of its wetlands due to urbanisation in the last 30 years. Several environmentalists are now fighting to preserve and sustain the remaining wetland patches.
Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is arguably the most urbanised city in the country. It is also home to an intricate wetland complex of rare and ecologically important species such as the elusive fishing cat.
In 2018, Colombo was declared the first wetland capital of the world by Ramsar, an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation of wetlands.
To maintain its status, conservationists and environmentalists are fighting an uphill battle to preserve and sustain the remaining wetland patches in the city.
Reporter: Dhisal Kapuge
Camera: Shakya Madagedara
Edit: Dhisal Kapuge
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