Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection

Wetlands play an important role in mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity. The project contributes to improving the management of wetlands in the partner country. It promotes the institutionalisation of an ecosystem approach in four Ramsar areas and the effective implementation of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems. The projects will close the gaps in wetland management and carry out capacity development activities. These measures will contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in wetlands and their ecosystem services. At the same time, the project will improve climate resilience and the livelihoods of people living in the catchment areas of the selected sites. As part of the Corona Response Package, ecosystem-based measures are being implemented at three Ramsar sites to support sustainable livelihoods.

Project data

Countries: India
IKI funding: 4,350,000.00 €
Duration: 09/2018 till 08/2023
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

MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)

Wetlands International South Asia (WISA)

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State of implementation/results

On 02.10.2021, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the Wetlands of India Portal (www.indianwetlands.in) - a central access point for information on wetlands in India - developed by the project. The portal was anchored at the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM).
An online training course on integrated wetland management in India is being developed. It is a self-paced modular online course to be made available on the Wetlands of India Portal.
The draft Integrated Management Plans (IMPs), including monitoring plans of the four pilot sites have been finalised. They are based on the assessment results of hydro-ecological, socio-economic and climate risk and vulnerability analysis and consultation with experts and stakeholders.
A handbook on climate risk and vulnerability assessment of wetlands to climate risks is being prepared.
Video training was conducted at the four project sites for interested community members. 55 people were trained in video making, story and script writing and video editing. The result of this training is 16 videos on different aspects of the wetlands and the environmental restoration activities, wildlife etc. carried out under the project. The videos are used to develop new skills on the one hand and to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands on the other. The second round of training for advanced video editing and audio mixing was conducted in August/September 2022.
A manual with guiding principles for management monitoring is being developed for the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) adapted by the project for India. The METT has been applied at the four project sites and the results have been analysed and will be used as an example in the manual.
Under the Green Recovery measures in Bhitarkanika, ponds were restored, mangroves were planted and vegetable cultivation and horticulture were supported. In Point Calimere, canals and ponds were restored and floriculture was supported.
Over 700 families were supported through training on alternative livelihood options, such as sustainable fishing and horticulture.

Latest Update:
01/2023