Online Training on Wetland Rules and Integrated Wetland Management for Wetland Managers of Tamil Nadu

21 Oct, 2020

A two-day online training on Wetland Rules was organised for wetland managers of Tamil Nadu Forest Department from 19-20 October 2020, in partnership with the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority and Wetlands International South Asia. The training focussed on different aspects of wetland management including Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017; delineation of wetland and zone of influence; preparation of integrated management plan and Brief Documents. The training was based on the learning from capacity and training needs assessment (CTNA) report and expert consultation on capacity development strategy for wetland management. Ms V. Karunapriya, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority highlighted the need for such a training on wetland management for Forest Department and other stakeholders.

The training provided an understanding of Wetland Rules, roles and responsibilities of Wetland Authorities, the process of preparation of draft and final notifications under the Rules and addressed the queries on implementation. The session on wetland mapping focused on delineation of wetland and zone of influence and how the maps contribute to the wise use of wetlands. The purpose and format of the Brief Document and sources of information were also described in the training. The session on integrated management planning discussed the purpose of developing an integrated management plan, setting up the management planning process, and approach for developing and implementing an integrated management plan.

Over 30 officials participated in this training. Dr Ritesh Kumar (Director), Wetlands International South Asia, Dr Ridhi Saluja (Technical Officer-Wetlands Ecology) and Dr Avantika Bhaskar (Technical Expert, GIZ) moderated the sessions and conducted the training. Based on the need, similar trainings would be organised for other project states.

©GIZ/Neha Owaisy

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About the project

The Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection project aims to strengthen the institutional framework and capacities for an ecosystem-based integrated management of wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites) in India. Four Ramsar sites have been selected as pilot sites under the project: Pong Dam and Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh, Bhitarkanika Mangroves in Odisha, and the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in close cooperation with the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA). This project is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag. Read More

For more information contact: biodiv.india@giz.de