Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems in India's Northeastern Himalaya Region

Project Name :   Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems in India's Northeastern Himalaya Region

Protection of Biodiversity
July-September | 2024

Description

Inspiring Communities to Protect the Chakpi River: A Transformative Initiative in Manipur!

A dedicated Community-based River Monitoring Team and River Protection Task Force have been established and trained at the NERAQ pilot site, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the cherished Chakpi River and its vibrant ecosystem in Chandel district, Manipur!

This initiative focuses on empowering local volunteers, village clubs, and authorities to take charge of monitoring the health of the Chakpi River. Through hands-on training, these passionate individuals are now equipped to gather crucial data that will steer decision-making and bolster rights-based mechanisms for sustainable management. Talk about making a difference!

Imagine the impact of having a community that not only understands the river's flows but also actively participates in its protection! The launch of the comprehensive "Handbook on River Monitoring for Chakpi" is intended to provide easy-to-use guidelines and essential tools for these river champions. This resource arms them with the competencies needed to engage in effective monitoring of the river, streams, and local water bodies.

The team consists of 16 members, with 4 community representatives from each village—Monsangpantha, Mantripantha, Japhou, and Lambung. Their focus is on generating real-time data on river health while promoting stewardship within the community to effectively protect and manage river ecosystem. With consistent information being collected, the community can confidently approach planning and management discussions, ensuring that their aquatic resources are treated with the care and respect they deserve.

 

Building a Knowledge Network for Aquatic Ecosystem Management in Northeast India

On June 19-20, 2024, an exciting workshop brought together over 40 enthusiastic participants from the research, practice, and policy spheres across the Northeast Region of India and beyond at the NEHU campus in Shillong, Meghalaya!

Organised by the NERAQ Project, this inspiring gathering aimed to kickstart a vibrant regional knowledge network/hub, poised to enable the dialogue on the protection and sustainable management of the precious aquatic ecosystems of the NE region. Recognising that biodiversity conservation is a multifaceted endeavour requiring seamless collaboration across various levels, participants engaged in dynamic discussions to advocate for a unified platform that will enhance communication and information flow.

The aspirations articulated during the workshop set the stage for addressing pressing concerns and promoting best practices in freshwater biodiversity. By forging new connections and sharing innovative solutions, this network intends to empower researchers, policymakers, and local communities alike to tackle regional challenges head-on!

 A Handbook on Common Freshwater Fishes of Assam released

A "Handbook on Common Freshwater Fishes of Assam”, a collaborative effort between the Assam State Wetland Authority and the Indo-German Bilateral Cooperation Project, NERAQ, was unveiled on World Rhino Day in Kaziranga, Assam on 22 September 2024 amid myriad events aimed at public awareness about rhino conservation and Assam’s biodiversity.

This handbook serves as an accessible reference guide for common fish species found in Assam’s rich freshwater habitats. It provides essential information, such as key identification features, distribution, and conservation status, all presented in a straightforward manner to ensure it is user-friendly for a wide audience. The target users include frontline workers, law enforcement agencies, and anyone interested in supporting local biodiversity efforts.

Atul Bora, Minister for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Govt. of Assam; Keshab Mahanta, Minister for Transport, Science Technology & Climate Change, Government of Assam & Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Member of Parliament, Kaziranga Lok Sabha Constituency presided over the central function as the Chief Guests.

This publication intended to be a significant new resource with an objective of conserving and protecting fast-declining fish species of the State, which is vital to both the ecosystem and local livelihoods. Read more here Assam: Kaziranga observes World Rhino Day (nenow.in)