Welcome to the site of Wetlands International South-Asia
Welcome to the website of the South Asia Programme of Wetlands International, the only global NGO dedicated to sustaining and restoring wetlands. This is the subsite for the South-Asia region (India, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan) of the global site www.wetlands.org. This sub-site is maintained by our office in New Delhi, India.
Choose a topic of your interest on the block menu above the banner for more information on wetlands and Wetlands International, our office, our work including our clickable map with projects, news and publications.
Feel free to contact us if you need further information.
 Nature Walk and Pune Forest Division organised a Bird Fest during 3-6 Januray 2013. The event was supported by BNHS, IBCN, Wetlands International, WWF, Maharastra Pakshi Mitra, Sanctuary Asia and MTDC. Biodiversity of birds, their behaviour, nesting, ecology, habitat and migration were introduced amongst masses to generate interest for bird conservation. A film on biodiversity of Chilika Lake provided by Wetlands International was screened during the Fest. Exclusive interactive sessions on bird watching were conducted by Mr. Clement Francis and Mr. Vikram Potdar (eminent wild life photographers), Mr. Kiran Purandare, Dr. Girish Jathar, Mr. Pankaj Koparde, Dr Pramod Patil and Bhau Katdare (renowned bird waters). The other events which were highlights of the Fest included a photo exhibition with contribution of 30 photographers, bird quiz and Young Ornithologist State Award.
Nature Walk and Pune Forest Division organised a Bird Fest during 3-6 Januray 2013. The event was supported by BNHS, IBCN, Wetlands International, WWF, Maharastra Pakshi Mitra, Sanctuary Asia and MTDC. Biodiversity of birds, their behaviour, nesting, ecology, habitat and migration were introduced amongst masses to generate interest for bird conservation. A film on biodiversity of Chilika Lake provided by Wetlands International was screened during the Fest. Exclusive interactive sessions on bird watching were conducted by Mr. Clement Francis and Mr. Vikram Potdar (eminent wild life photographers), Mr. Kiran Purandare, Dr. Girish Jathar, Mr. Pankaj Koparde, Dr Pramod Patil and Bhau Katdare (renowned bird waters). The other events which were highlights of the Fest included a photo exhibition with contribution of 30 photographers, bird quiz and Young Ornithologist State Award.
 Mr. Naveen Patnaik released the management planning framework for Lake Chilika in a special event held on October 20, 2012 at Bhubaneswar in the presence of Mr. Ananda Tiega, Secretary General Ramsar Convention; Mr. Bijayshri Routray (Minister, Environment, Government of Odisha), Mr. R. K. Sharma (Principal Secretary, Forests and Environment, Government of Odisha) and several dignitaries, experts and media.
| Chief Minister, Government of Odisha (fourth from right) releasing the Management Planning Framework of Lake Chilika |
The management planning framework was developed by Wetlands International – South Asia in partnership with Chilika Development Authority as an overarching framework to guide strategies and actions for conservation and wise use of Chilika. The document builds on a comprehensive analysis of ecological, hydrological, socio-economic and institutional features of the wetland system used to describe the ecological character of the site and identify threats that need to be addressed through management. Financ  ial support for formulation of the framework was provided by Ramsar Convention Secretariat and International Development Research Center.
The framework document includes an extensive database on all wetland features and a set of 34 maps which have been used to present the information spatially. It provides a very useful reference framework for guiding interventions for maintaining the rich biodiversity and ecosystem services of Lake
| Dr. Ritesh Kumar (Wetlands International South Asia) presents the plan to the stakeholders at the workshop |
Chilika.
Mr. Naveen Patnaik released the management planning framework for Lake Chilika in a special event held on October 20, 2012 at Bhubaneswar in the presence of Mr. Ananda Tiega, Secretary General Ramsar Convention; Mr. Bijayshri Routray (Minister, Environment, Government of Odisha), Mr. R. K. Sharma (Principal Secretary, Forests and Environment, Government of Odisha) and several dignitaries, experts and media.
| Chief Minister, Government of Odisha (fourth from right) releasing the Management Planning Framework of Lake Chilika |
The management planning framework was developed by Wetlands International – South Asia in partnership with Chilika Development Authority as an overarching framework to guide strategies and actions for conservation and wise use of Chilika. The document builds on a comprehensive analysis of ecological, hydrological, socio-economic and institutional features of the wetland system used to describe the ecological character of the site and identify threats that need to be addressed through management. Financ ial support for formulation of the framework was provided by Ramsar Convention Secretariat and International Development Research Center.
The framework document includes an extensive database on all wetland features and a set of 34 maps which have been used to present the information spatially. It provides a very useful reference framework for guiding interventions for maintaining the rich biodiversity and ecosystem services of Lake
| Dr. Ritesh Kumar (Wetlands International South Asia) presents the plan to the stakeholders at the workshop |
Chilika.
October 9, 2012, Hyderabad, India
The participants of a side event on ‘Water, Wetlands and Aichi Targets, organized by Wetlands International – South Asia concluded that the success of achieving Aichi targets 2011-2020 was critically dependant on effective integration of wetlands within water management to achieve biodiversity and ecosystem services outcomes. The session was attended by over 40 national delegates, development banks, representatives of non-governmental organizations and media.
Introducing the session, Mr. Sudhir Pande (Wetlands International – South Asia) mentioned that the water and wetland management sectors had distinctly failed to capitalize on opportunities for creating co-benefits as wetlands continued to be lost and degraded, with fragmentation of hydrological regimes as one of the key degradation drivers.
Dr. Ritesh Kumar (Wetlands International – South Asia) highlighted the connections bet  ween wetlands, water management and Aichi targets. He stressed the need for water sector to consider wetlands not merely from the perspective of water allocation but as a means to deliver the objectives of water , food and energy security more efficiently and with significant co-benefits.
Prof. Nick Davidson (Ramsar Convention)introduced the TEEB – Water and Wetlands Report. His presentation included several case studies and examples wherein wetland management served to be a cost effective way of delivering water management objectives, and also increasing costs of inaction as wetlands continued to be lost at an unprecedented rate.
Dr. Ajit Pattnaik(Chilika Development Authority)presented the case of Lake Chilika wherein by addressing restoration of hydrological regimes within management strategies, it had been possible to rejuvenate biodiversity as well as secure livelihoods of communities through sustainable use of resource base.
The presentations were followed by a panel discussion on the practical mechanisms for ensuring better and effective integration of wetland and water management objectives.
Dr. Asad Rahmani (Bombay Natural History Society) stated that the society needs to stop considering wetlands as wastelands, which could be ensured by creating awareness amongst policy and decision makers on the rich gamut of ecosystem services provided by these ecosystems. Dr. P. R. Sinha (Director, Wildlife Institute of India) urged the need for implementing effective regulatory frameworks for protecting wetlands from developmental impacts.
Mr. Anupam Joshi (World Bank, New Delhi) highlighted capacity gaps, both in terms of skilled technical personnel as well as investment, in ensuring integrated wetlands management
Prof. E.J. James (Member, National Wetland Regulatory Authority, Government of India ) cited several evidence base from India wherein disastrous consequences have emerged through water management decisions which had failed to take into account the impacts on wetlands. He urged for better information and knowledge base to connect the two sectors.
Mr. David Coates (Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity) reaffirmed that water and wetland management were indeed central to achieving the goals as set out in Aichi targets. He highlighted the work being taken up within the CBD for promoting water cycle as a conceptual framework for increasing focus on water while identifying pathways for achieving biodiversity conservation and sustained ecosystem services.
Dr. J.R. Bhatt (Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India) urged the Ramsar Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity to map out synergies between wise use and ecosystem principles for integrated management of wetlands.
October 9, 2012, Hyderabad, India
The participants of a side event on ‘Water, Wetlands and Aichi Targets, organized by Wetlands International – South Asia concluded that the success of achieving Aichi targets 2011-2020 was critically dependant on effective integration of wetlands within water management to achieve biodiversity and ecosystem services outcomes. The session was attended by over 40 national delegates, development banks, representatives of non-governmental organizations and media.
Introducing the session, Mr. Sudhir Pande (Wetlands International – South Asia) mentioned that the water and wetland management sectors had distinctly failed to capitalize on opportunities for creating co-benefits as wetlands continued to be lost and degraded, with fragmentation of hydrological regimes as one of the key degradation drivers.
Dr. Ritesh Kumar (Wetlands International – South Asia) highlighted the connections bet ween wetlands, water management and Aichi targets. He stressed the need for water sector to consider wetlands not merely from the perspective of water allocation but as a means to deliver the objectives of water , food and energy security more efficiently and with significant co-benefits.
Prof. Nick Davidson (Ramsar Convention)introduced the TEEB – Water and Wetlands Report. His presentation included several case studies and examples wherein wetland management served to be a cost effective way of delivering water management objectives, and also increasing costs of inaction as wetlands continued to be lost at an unprecedented rate.
Dr. Ajit Pattnaik(Chilika Development Authority)presented the case of Lake Chilika wherein by addressing restoration of hydrological regimes within management strategies, it had been possible to rejuvenate biodiversity as well as secure livelihoods of communities through sustainable use of resource base.
The presentations were followed by a panel discussion on the practical mechanisms for ensuring better and effective integration of wetland and water management objectives.
Dr. Asad Rahmani (Bombay Natural History Society) stated that the society needs to stop considering wetlands as wastelands, which could be ensured by creating awareness amongst policy and decision makers on the rich gamut of ecosystem services provided by these ecosystems. Dr. P. R. Sinha (Director, Wildlife Institute of India) urged the need for implementing effective regulatory frameworks for protecting wetlands from developmental impacts.
Mr. Anupam Joshi (World Bank, New Delhi) highlighted capacity gaps, both in terms of skilled technical personnel as well as investment, in ensuring integrated wetlands management
Prof. E.J. James (Member, National Wetland Regulatory Authority, Government of India ) cited several evidence base from India wherein disastrous consequences have emerged through water management decisions which had failed to take into account the impacts on wetlands. He urged for better information and knowledge base to connect the two sectors.
Mr. David Coates (Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity) reaffirmed that water and wetland management were indeed central to achieving the goals as set out in Aichi targets. He highlighted the work being taken up within the CBD for promoting water cycle as a conceptual framework for increasing focus on water while identifying pathways for achieving biodiversity conservation and sustained ecosystem services.
Dr. J.R. Bhatt (Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India) urged the Ramsar Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity to map out synergies between wise use and ecosystem principles for integrated management of wetlands.
The 11th Conference of Parties Meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity is being held in the City of Hyderabad India from October 8 – 19, 2012. The meeting takes place during the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity and will serve to support implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and Aichi Biodiversity Targets, adopted at Nagoya Japan in 2010. For further information, read: http://www.cbd.int/cop11/?section=welcome
The Aichi Targets have high significance for wetlands and water management. Achieving progress under several targets, for example target 11 (seeking conservation of at least 17% of terrestrial inland water areas and 10 % of coastal and marine areas), target 14 (conservation of ecosystems proving essential services including services related to water), target 6 (all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants) and target 8 (reducing pollution from excess nutrients) is critically dependent on the way in which water management improves balancing the needs of different users including wetland ecosystems and use of wetlands as infrastructure to achieve its goals.
Further, the CoP will also consider the recommendation of the 15th meeting of SBSTTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice – an intergovernmental scientific advisory body of the CBD) for considering water cycle as means for forging links between various targets and according water and biodiversity as a cross cutting theme. The SBSTTA has also recommended creating better synergies between the CBD and Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on the water –biodiversity linkages. The summary report of the work of the expert group on maintaining the ability of biodiversity to continue to support the water cycle (UNEP/CBD/COP/11/30) underlines the need for a natural water infrastructure focus and points out an immediate opportunity in strengthened cooperation and partnership for natural water solutions.
Adoption of these recommendations would provide a strong impetus to collective global action for wetland conservation and wise use.
A side event – ‘Wetlands, Water and Aichi Targets” is being organized on October 9, 2012 , Tuesday (13:15 – 14:45 hrs.) Room 1.02, Level 1 which will look at identifying mechanisms through which water and wetland management sectors could co-operate to effectively achieve the Aichi Target outcomes.
The 11th Conference of Parties Meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity is being held in the City of Hyderabad India from October 8 – 19, 2012. The meeting takes place during the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity and will serve to support implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and Aichi Biodiversity Targets, adopted at Nagoya Japan in 2010. For further information, read: http://www.cbd.int/cop11/?section=welcome
The Aichi Targets have high significance for wetlands and water management. Achieving progress under several targets, for example target 11 (seeking conservation of at least 17% of terrestrial inland water areas and 10 % of coastal and marine areas), target 14 (conservation of ecosystems proving essential services including services related to water), target 6 (all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants) and target 8 (reducing pollution from excess nutrients) is critically dependent on the way in which water management improves balancing the needs of different users including wetland ecosystems and use of wetlands as infrastructure to achieve its goals.
Further, the CoP will also consider the recommendation of the 15th meeting of SBSTTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice – an intergovernmental scientific advisory body of the CBD) for considering water cycle as means for forging links between various targets and according water and biodiversity as a cross cutting theme. The SBSTTA has also recommended creating better synergies between the CBD and Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on the water –biodiversity linkages. The summary report of the work of the expert group on maintaining the ability of biodiversity to continue to support the water cycle (UNEP/CBD/COP/11/30) underlines the need for a natural water infrastructure focus and points out an immediate opportunity in strengthened cooperation and partnership for natural water solutions.
Adoption of these recommendations would provide a strong impetus to collective global action for wetland conservation and wise use.
A side event – ‘Wetlands, Water and Aichi Targets” is being organized on October 9, 2012 , Tuesday (13:15 – 14:45 hrs.) Room 1.02, Level 1 which will look at identifying mechanisms through which water and wetland management sectors could co-operate to effectively achieve the Aichi Target outcomes.
Wetlands International - South Asia launches Sarovar - a newsletter aimed at providing a platform to wetland managers and field practitioners for discussing issues related to wetland management in South Asia.
The next issue will be on the theme ‘Water, Wetlands and Biodiversity’. Please send your short contributions (up to 2,000 words maximum) at editor@wi-sa.org before September 15, 2012.
Wetlands International - South Asia launches Sarovar - a newsletter aimed at providing a platform to wetland managers and field practitioners for discussing issues related to wetland management in South Asia.
The next issue will be on the theme ‘Water, Wetlands and Biodiversity’. Please send your short contributions (up to 2,000 words maximum) at editor@wi-sa.org before September 15, 2012.
Building resilience to disasters in the Mahanadi delta and Kosi-Gandak floodplains, India
In the Mahanadi River delta and Kosi-Gandak floodplains we restore wetlands and improve water management to reduce the risk of disasters. With our partners we enhance the ability of vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change and create more secure and sustainable livelihoods. This provides a safer environment from floods and improves the capacity of these communities to bounce back if they do occur. Read more... |
Waterbird Population Estimates Database
The Waterbird Population Estimates (WPE) online database provides current and historic estimates, trends and 1% thresholds for over 800 waterbird species and 2300 biogeographic populations worldwide. This project has been developed by Wetlands International with the support of Environment Canada and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Visit the Waterbird Population Estimates Database Read more... |
Ramsar Conference, Bucharest
The Ramsar Conference (6 - 13 July 2012 in Bucharest, Romania) offered an opportunity to strengthen and extend the reach of the Convention to achieve improved wetland conservation and management. We attended the conference with a team of experts from our global network and engaged Contracting Parties and partners to achieve these objectives. Read more... |
Managing water with communities in the Mahanadi Delta, India
In the Mahandi Delta, Orissa, India, we word to reduce flood risks by managing and restoring wetlands, as areas were excsessive water can be stored. Read more... |
Wetlands and Livelihoods Programme
This programme focused on the mainstreaming of sustainable wetland management principles and practice into the development of poverty reduction strategies through local and international partnerships in DAC1 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It did so by enhancing of existing and supporting development of new policies at local, national and international levels, with specific inclusion of the water and health sectors and by ensuring due attention to the need for equitable development.
Read more... |
For more projects, go to all our projects.
A-25, Second Floor, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110024, INDIA
Tel: 91 11 24338906, 32927908
Fax: 91 11 24338906
Photos: Wetlands International
A-25, Second Floor, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110024, INDIA
Tel: 91 11 24338906, 32927908
Fax: 91 11 24338906
Photos: Wetlands International
|
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Water and Wetlands
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), co-authored by Wetlands International, emphasises the enormous economic value of wetlands. TEEB For Water and Wetlands highlights the key role played by wetlands as natural infrastructure and the multitude of enormously productive services they provide around the world. The continued loss of wetlands illustrates the need for improved policy maki... Read more... |
AWC Newsletter 19 (Dec 2012)
AWC Newsletter #19, of Dec 2012 brings you up to date on progress of the AWC network over 2012 and looks ahead at 2013. Read more... |
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Water and Wetlands
The draft report "The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Water and Wetlands" was released as a contribution to the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), convening in Hyderabad, India. Read more... |
Sarovar
Sarovar - a newsletter aimed at providing a platform to the wetland managers and field practitioners for discussing issues related to wetland management in South Asia. Read the inaugural issue (Vol-1, June, 2012) focused on wetlands of India. Read more... |
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Water and Wetlands
This TEEB for Water and Wetlands Brief introduces the new initiative, presents initial ideas on the benefits and questions to be explored over the coming months. Obtaining new and complementary insights from the practical experience of stakeholders (ecosystem managers, communities, municipalities, decision makers from the public and private sector at local, national and international scale etc.) f... Read more... |
Jaltantra - Floodplains for livelihoods and biodiversity in North Bihar
This video tells the story how biodiversity, livelihoods and wetland management are interlinked in the North Bihar, India. Endikements, roads and other development do not take water management into account and damage this fragile balance. Wetlands International and Cordaid call for integrated management of water, wetlands to sustain and restore the ecological balance, benefitting people's liveliho... Read more... |
Loktak Newsletter Volume VI
The newsletter jointly published by Wetlands International South Asia and Loktak Development Authority focuses on changing land use in Loktak Lake complex. The issues also presents an overview of Water Management Plan for the lake and an update on implementation of short term action plan for conservation and management of Loktak and associated wetlands. Read more... |
Eco-Virological Approach for Assessing the Role of Wild Birds in the Spread of Avian Influenza H5N1 along the Central Asian Flyway
A unique pattern of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks has emerged along the Central Asia Flyway, where infection of wild birds has been reported with steady frequency since 2005. We assessed the potential for two hosts of HPAI H5N1, the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) and ruddy shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), to act as agents for virus dispersal along this ‘thoroughfare’.
Read more... |
Strategic Intent 2011-2020
The Strategic Intent 2011-2020 is the ten year outlook for our organisation and the overarching strategy for the organisation worldwide. It reflects the new challenges for wetland conservation and the increasing relevance of wetland condition to human well-being in today’s world.
Read more... |
For more publications go to LIBRARY.
|
Our Projects Our Publications Our Videos Our Organisation News Jobs Contact Us
Wetlands International South Asia, A-25, Second Floor,Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110024, India
Wetlands International Headquarters, P.O. Box 471 6701AL Wageningen. The Netherlands.
Our Projects Our Publications Our Videos Our Organisation News Jobs Contact Us
Wetlands International South Asia, A-25, Second Floor,Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110024, India
Wetlands International Headquarters, P.O. Box 471 6701AL Wageningen. The Netherlands.
|
|