The Baddagana wetland park located on the outskirts of Colombo attracts about 7,000 visitors per month, and acts as a floodwater retention area for the Sri Lankan capital, pictured here on May 9 ...

A view of the mangrove forests at Beddagana Wetland Park in Colombo, Sri Lanka, captured on July 24, 2025. In line with World ...

If Colombo can "harness" its nearly 5,000 acres of wetlands to "limit destruction wrought by floods", the city's victory would "provide valuable lessons for cities around the world".

If Colombo can "harness" its nearly 5,000 acres of wetlands to "limit destruction wrought by floods", the city's victory would "provide valuable lessons for cities around the world".