Land use changes of coastal wetlands using remote sensing. A case study of Muthurajawela & Anawilundawa wetlands, Sri Lanka

Harsha Dias Dahanayake; DDGL Dahanayaka; Paul Hudson; Deepthi Wickramasinghe

doi:10.6093/1970-9870/10281

Harsha Dias Dahanayake Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8802-3367
DDGL Dahanayaka Department of Zoology, Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Colombo, Sri Lanka https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9052-3873
Paul Hudson Depatment of Environment and Geography University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7877-7854
Deepthi Wickramasinghe Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, Srilanka https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6026-9552

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6093/1970-9870/10281

Keywords: Land use, Land cover, Geographical information system, Wetland, Anawilundawa, Muthurajawela

Abstract

Wetlands are confronting significant threats arising from human activities, particularly anthropogenic influences. The alteration of land use and land cover in and around wetlands serves as a clear indicator of the escalating human pressure on these ecosystems. This study employs Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing to conduct a spatiotemporal analysis, comparing land use changes in both an urban wetland (Muthurajawela) and a peri-urban wetland (Anawilundawa) and their respective buffer areas in Sri Lanka. The study reveals noteworthy transformations in the extent of water bodies, thick vegetation, other vegetation, settlements, and open areas during the period from 2000 to 2021. The observed changes are particularly profound in the urban wetland. In the Muthurajawela wetland, the core habitat characterized by open water experienced significant conversions into settlements and infrastructure, resulting in an 81% reduction from 2000 to 2010 and a 30% reduction from 2010 to 2021. Similarly, water bodies in the Anawilundawa wetland reduced in size by 12% from 2000 to 2010 and 16% from 2010 to 2021. The results highlight the urban wetland's more substantial transformation from natural areas to anthropogenic areas, necessitating immediate remedial and restoration action. Given this context, it is imperative to delve further into the trajectories, causes, and drivers of land use changes. This deeper investigation is crucial for developing effective wetland management strategies that support sustainability, environmental stability, and the continued functioning of ecosystems.

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Author Biographies

Harsha Dias Dahanayake, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

He is a postgraduate research scholar attached to the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, he has extensive professional experience across multiple domains. His career has encompassed roles in Environmental Management, IT and Management reflecting his diverse expertise. Harsha is actively engaged in the research with a particular focus on the fields of Environmental Management, Wetlands, Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing, Ecosystem services, Climate Change and Disaster risk reduction. His active participation in these research areas underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing environmental challenges.

DDGL Dahanayaka, Department of Zoology, Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Colombo, Sri Lanka

He is a Senior lecturer attached to the Department of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, He brings extensive experience to his role, with a distinguished career spanning over a two decade as a Scientist specializing in Remote Sensing for Coastal and Inland Water Environment Monitoring. Notably, Dr. Dahanayaka's expertise is well-documented, with his research contributions having been published in esteemed peer-reviewed international journals. In addition, he has actively shared his knowledge through invited presentations delivered in various countries. Dr. Dahanayaka has established valuable research partnerships with esteemed scientists hailing from countries such as Japan, Sri Lanka, the USA, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.

Paul Hudson, Depatment of Environment and Geography University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom

He is a lecturer in Environmental Economics at the Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, United Kingdom, with expertise in Environmental Economics, Dr. Hudson is actively engaged in research aimed at understanding how society can effectively respond to the complex challenges of Climate Change and Disasters. His work is based on methods to mitigate the adverse effects of these interconnected issues, ultimately fostering a more resilient society. In addition to his research, Dr. Hudson has published a significant number of peer-reviewed journal articles related to his field. His contributions to the academic literature further demonstrate his dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing critical environmental challenges.

Deepthi Wickramasinghe, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, Srilanka

She is a Senior Professor attached to the Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. She obtained her B.Sc and M.Sc from the University of Colombo. She obtained her doctoral degree in a split programme from the University of Colombo and Dalhousie University, Canada. Professor Wickramasinghe has also served as a Co-director of the Career Guidance Unit, Faculty of Science since 2015. With her guidance, the service-learning program offered by the Career Guidance Unit won the prestigious UNESCO Wenhui Award for Educational Innovation. During her career as an academic and a researcher, she has published extensively in many fields related to biodiversity, ecology and environmental sciences. Her specific research interests include sustainability, wetlands, water, disaster risk reduction, nature-based solutions and gender issues. She has won many awards for her research including several presidential awards and UN award for best water project. She has authored several books and published more than 100 research papers and abstracts. She is serving in many local and international expert bodies and professional networks including global water partnership and the IUCN species survival commission. She loves reading, music, and philanthropical work.

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