Urban commons in the face of climate change: The challenge of private wetland conservation

What the paper says

Abstract The paper explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in managing privately owned wetlands within urban areas, particularly in the context of escalating climate change impacts. Taking Kerala, India, as a case study for in-depth research, the paper investigates the complex interplay between the economic interests of private landowners and the broader ecological and socio-economic benefits that wetlands provide. Urban wetlands are crucial for their roles in flood mitigation, biodiversity support, and water purification, serving as natural buffers and essential components of urban ecosystems. The study highlights the significant regulatory and legal frameworks governing wetland conservation, including the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008. These regulations often place stringent restrictions on land use, creating tensions between private landowners seeking economic returns and the public need for environmental preservation. By employing qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews with private wetland owners, the research uncovers the personal and economic pressures these landowners face, alongside the bureaucratic and legal challenges in converting wetlands for alternative uses. The 2018 floods in Kerala emphasis the urgent need for effective wetland management, as the degradation of these natural assets significantly exacerbated the disaster’s impact. The paper proposes innovative strategies to reconcile these conflicting interests, including the implementation of integrated management plans, offering economic incentives such as tax benefits, and fostering public-private partnerships. Additionally, it suggests the potential for leasing arrangements and emphasizes the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in supporting wetland conservation efforts.