Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection

State of implementation/results

• Integrated Management Plans (IMPs) were developed for four Ramsar sites (total area 54,182 hectares) based on the assessment results of hydro-ecological and socio-economic analyses, climate risk and vulnerability analyses, and consultations with experts and stakeholders.
• As part of the COVID response package, the project supported site-specific and demand-driven green recovery activities, primarily at the Bhitarkanika and Point Calimere project sites. These included livelihood-oriented conservation and restoration activities (mangrove restoration, pond restoration) and training for community members on alternative sustainable livelihood options (honey production, handicrafts, private shelter, sustainable fishing, participatory video making). Some initiatives, such as eco-guide trainings for the boat people and tourism promoters of Bhitarkanika, are being expanded.
• The project supported the development of the Wetlands of India online portal (www.indianwetlands.in), the central access point for information on wetlands in India. Currently, the portal contains information on 1,243 wetlands, 631 wetland health maps and 95 publications. In addition, the portal is used and regularly updated for new initiatives such as Amrit Dharohar and the Save the Wetlands campaign.
• The project supported the Tamil Nadu State Wetlands Authority in the designation of new Ramsar sites.
• Manuals on the Wetlands Inventory, Assessment and Monitoring Framework for Indian Wetlands and Managing Climate Risks in Wetlands were published and presented at international events such as the CMS COP and Ramsar COP.
• A Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) was adapted for Indian wetlands and piloted at four project sites. It is now being extended to other wetlands with national partners and knowledge partners.
• In collaboration with government training institutes, 430 participants (forest officials/site managers/community members) have been trained in wetland management. An interactive e-learning course on Wetland Conservation and Management in India has been developed and is available on Atingi.org.
• Developed short films, including a documentary on bird census in Pong, are being used by government agencies for education and awareness raising.
• To share experiences on integrated management planning and improve synergies between IKI projects, a joint thematic workshop of several IKI projects was organised in the state of Assam in February 2023.

Latest Update:
11/2023

Further links

• An Inventory Assessment and Monitoring Framework for Indian Wetlands (EN)
• Managing Climate Risks in Wetlands (EN)
• Wetlands of India Portal (EN)
• Factsheet Bhitarkanika Mangroves (EN)
• Factsheet Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (EN)
• Factsheet Pong Dam Lake (EN)
• Factsheet Renuka Lake (EN)
• Factsheet Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection (EN)
• Ramsar Sites of India Factbook (EN)
• Cultural Significance of Indian Wetlands (EN)
• Climate Risk Assessment of Pong Dam Lake, Himachal Pradesh (EN)
• Hydro-Ecology of Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha (EN)
• Ecosystem Services - Livelihood Linkages of Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha (EN)
• Hydrological and Climate Risk Modelling for Pong Dam Lake, Himachal Pradesh (EN)
• Fisheries Resource of Pong Dam Lake, Himachal Pradesh (EN)
• Climate Risk Assessment of Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh (EN)
• Hydrogeology of Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh (EN)
• Climate Risk Assessment of Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha (EN)
• Ecosystem Services – Livelihood Linkages of Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh (EN)
• Climate Risk Assessment of Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu (EN)
• Hydro-Ecology of Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu (EN)
• Ecosystem Services – Livelihood Linkages of Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu (EN)