As part of the second phase of the 100 wetlands programme launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), towards making the country water secure, state governments have been instructed to develop health cards for selected wetlands. Wetlands International South Asia, as a knowledge partner of the Ministry, is closely working with state governments by provide handholding support in collecting baseline information for developing wetland health cards.
Wetlands International South Asia in collaboration with Delhi State Wetlands Authority hosted the first training on September 23, on developing wetland health cards for the different departments concerned with wetlands management in Delhi.
The first training in a series of eight, introduced the participants to ways of collecting the baseline information for developing wetland health cards. Deputy Conservator of Forests Delhi, Dr Jayachandaran delivered the key note address. Dr Ritesh Kumar (Director), Wetlands International South Asia, facilitated the training, and introduced key aspects of wetlands health cards and information required. An overview of wetland governance, wetland status, biodiversity, water quality and type were shared. The webinar was attended by more than 30 participants, which included representation from a diverse set of departments concerned with wetlands management, Delhi State Wetlands Authority, SDM Sahadra, DFO Begusarai, IIT Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, Horticulture department, Jamui Forest Division officer, BDI north Delhi, DFO Gopalgunj.
The second training in the series held on October 1, at 11:00 am was conducted to assist participants to undertake a basic wetland health assessment using the baseline information. The health check would assist with monitoring of the wetland and for informing wetland managers to take action.
Dr Ritesh Kumar, Director WISA, facilitated the session and introduced ways to compute the baseline information for ranking wetland health. The virtual session was attended by over 30 participants.
