Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection

Wetlands play an important role in climate and biodiversity protection. Therefore, the project contributes to improving the management of wetlands in India by promoting the ecosystem-based integrated management of wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites) through capacity and network building in seven states. Specific project objectives include the development of planning and monitoring tools, capacity building, implementation of green recovery measures (post COVID-19) and strengthening of cooperation networks. The closing of management and capacity gaps and the active participation of different actors at central, state and local levels will lead to better protection of the biodiversity and ecosystem services of wetlands, strengthen their climate resilience and improve the living conditions of people in the catchment area of the selected sites.

Project data

Countries: India
IKI funding: 5,850,000.00 €
Duration: 09/2018 till 08/2025
Status: open
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Political Partner: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) - India
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) - India

Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA)

Development of Humane Action (DHAN) Foundation

Wetlands International South Asia (WISA)
Online: http://indo-germanbiodiversity.com/projects-wetlands+management+for+biodiversity+and+climate+protection.html

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State of implementation/results

World Wetlands Day on 02 February 2024 was supported by organising two events, one to engage the private sector and the "Wetlands for LiFE" film festival.
On the occasion, the second phase of the national Save Wetlands Campaign and the revised guidelines of the National Plan for the Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), which were technically supported by the project, were published.
Based on consultations and results of hydro-ecological and socio-economic analyses as well as climate risk and vulnerability analyses, integrated management plans were developed for three Ramsar sites (total area 54,182 hectares).
As part of the Corona Response Package, the project supported site-specific and demand-driven green recovery activities, primarily at the Bhitarkanika and Point Calimere project sites. These included conservation and restoration activities (mangrove restoration, pond restoration) and livelihood training for community members (honey production, handicrafts, sustainable fishing).
The project supported the development of the official national online portal Wetlands of India (www.indianwetlands.in). The portal is used as a dynamic knowledge platform, including for the "Save the Wetlands" campaign.
The Tamil Nadu Wetland Authority was supported in the designation of new Ramsar sites.
Manuals on 'Wetlands Inventory, Assessment and Monitoring Framework for Indian Wetlands' and 'Managing Climate Risks in Wetlands' were published and presented at international events such as CMS COP and Ramsar COP.
A 'Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool' (METT) was adapted for Indian wetlands and piloted at four project sites.
In collaboration with (government) training institutes, 571 participants (forest officials, area managers and community members) have been trained in wetland management to date. An interactive e-learning course on 'Wetland Conservation and Management in India' is available on the ' Wetlands of India ' online portal.
Short films developed, including a documentary of the bird census in Pong, are used by government agencies for education and awareness raising.
The project supported the sustainable organisation of the annual Renuka Ji International Fair 2023. The experiences will be further developed into guidelines for sustainable event management in wetlands.
A national digital education programme on wetlands aimed at schoolchildren was supported in terms of content.
Together with the IKI interface project, a workshop on the protection and use of peatlands in India was organised on 14 and 15 March 2024.