In a significant step towards fostering wetlands conservation awareness among young minds, Wetlands International South Asia, in collaboration with the NetCoast team, organized a one-day workshop titled ‘Youth for Wetlands: Empowering Conservation through Wetland Learning Centre’ at Harihardev Bidyapitha, Pathara, Odisha.
The event, held on September 27, 2024, saw active participation from students of Class VIII, alongside teachers and the dedicated team from NetCoast, including Durga Prasad Dash.
The workshop aimed to introduce the students to the Wetlands Learning Centre, an initiative to engage youth in conserving Chilika Wetland, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. The event highlighted the ecological and economic significance of Odisha’s wetlands and how the youth can play a pivotal role in preserving these vital ecosystems.
Initiating the workshop with the support of the school authorities and NetCoast
The session began with a comprehensive introduction by Diana Datta, Programme Associate at Wetlands International South Asia, who provided a detailed overview of the Wetlands Learning Centre and its mission to empower students in understanding and conserving wetlands. During the workshop, Diana Datta, Programme Associate at Wetlands International South Asia, provided a detailed overview of the Wetland Learning Centre and how it will operate. She explained that the centre would serve as a hub for education, research, and community engagement, with students playing an active role in monitoring and conserving wetlands.
Diana Datta highlights the ecological and economic significance of Odisha’s wetlands
The core session, led by Dayadra Mandal, Junior Technical Officer – Water Management, and Nikita Mishra, Junior Technical Officer – Knowledge Base Development explored the theme of wetlands as a “biological supermarket.” The students gained an in-depth understanding of the ecological functions of wetlands, their role in supporting biodiversity, and their contributions to flood control, water purification, and climate regulation. The discussion also covered Odisha’s Ramsar sites, their biodiversity, and the urgent threats facing these wetlands.
Dayadra Mandal educating students on the significance of wetlands
The workshop concluded by Dayadra Mandal with a call for volunteers from the student body to take on leadership roles within the Wetlands Learning Centre. These youth leaders will be responsible for organizing activities, coordinating workshops, and acting as liaisons between students and faculty. Their efforts will be crucial in promoting the Learning Centre’s objectives and ensuring the success of its programs.
Nikita Mishra displays the Ramsar sites of Odisha to the students
With the enthusiasm and dedication of the students, teachers, and volunteers, this workshop has laid a strong foundation for long-term commitment to wetland conservation in Odisha. The Wetlands Learning Centre at Harihardev Bidyapitha is set to become a model for youth-led wetland stewardship, ensuring that future generations continue to protect and cherish the wetlands that are vital to the region’s ecological health.
Class VIII students of Harihardev Bidyapith, Pathara exploring the significance of wetlands and Ramsar Sites of Odisha