A workshop on the ‘Wetland Conservation and Livelihood Promotions: Possibilities under Amrit Dharohar’ initiative was organised on July 13-15, 2023, at the Kerala Institute of Local Administration, Thrissur. It was attended by over 40 officials of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and MGNREGS, Agriculture and allied departments, and local NGOs.
The main objective of this programme is to build capacity for the wise use of wetlands by building convergence with development sectors and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities aligned with integrated wetlands management. Mr Dhruv Verma, Senior Technical Officer at Wetlands International South Asia, delivered training sessions on Integrated Wetlands Management, Amrit Dharohar Scheme and Integration of Wetland Solutions in District Disaster Management Planning.
The workshop noted the significance of imparting knowledge on wetlands health and practical approaches for their conservation to the officials of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, MGNREGS and others. It was also noted that capacity building of the Panchayati Raj Institution, at institutional and individual scales, is necessary to leverage the support of grass root level stakeholders in the effective management of wetlands. NIRDPD and Wetlands International South Asia agreed to develop a training program around the subject to empower Panchayats and other stakeholders in conserving wetland values and addressing drivers of risks and use the government’s ongoing schemes such as Amrit Dharohar in making livelihoods sustainable and resilient.