Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection

Protection of Biodiversity
October-December | 2024

Project Updates

Monitoring the Impact of Wetland Management

India’s 85 Ramsar Sites, covering 1.3 million hectares, are vital for biodiversity, water regulation, and climate resilience. As Ramsar Sites, they reflect India’s commitment to wisely wetlands these unique ecosystems.

To monitor and enhance the management of these sites, we supported the Government of India with developing the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) for Indian Wetlands, launched on World Wetlands Day 2024.

Based on the global METT framework, this tool is designed to assess wetland management effectiveness using a structured set of questions. Tailored to India’s socio-environmental context, it helps identify strengths and areas for improvement.

As part of building capacities for its nationwide implementation, we collaborated with the MoEF&CC and Wetlands International South Asia to organise regional workshops for Ramsar Site managers and stakeholders. As of now, over 60 sites have applied the tool, offering valuable insights to inform management strategies.

• More details on Why METT Matters for India's Ramsar Sites?

CEPA Initiative in Uttar Pradesh

Highlighting the importance of community participation in wetland conservation, GIZ in collaboration with Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group (GEAG) undertook the initiative on Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) for wetland management in Uttar Pradesh. The initiative was piloted in four key wetlands, including Ramsar Sites and nationally important wetlands in the state. The pilot interventions successfully engaged local communities through capacity building of fisher community on sustainable fishing practices and in promoting eco-tourism and organic farming. Through creative awareness campaigns - such as puppet shows, painting, and quiz competitions—the program inspired young minds and fostered a sense of ownership towards wetland conservation. Collaborating with local stakeholders, including the Wetland Mitra network and District Administration, the CEPA initiative showcased the power of community-driven conservation efforts. These initiatives are crucial in ensuring long-term sustainability of wetland ecosystems and improving the livelihoods of local communities.