21 Nov, 2021
A field visit to Bhitarkanika was undertaken by the project from 1-4 September, 2021. During this visit a meeting was organized to discuss results and seek inputs on the two assessments related to hydro-ecology and ecosystem services-livelihood interlinkages. Dr J.D. Pati, DFO, Rajanagar Forest Division and Range Officers; Chilika Development Authority (CDA); TARU Leading Edge; APOWA and GIZ project team participated in the meeting. In a separate meeting with DFO, the way forward for preparation of Bhitarkanika integrated management plan (IMP) was discussed. The DFO also suggested capacity development measures and training topics for the Ramsar site.
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Meeting to discuss assessment results for ecosystem-based management of Bhitarkanika Ramsar site ©GIZ
Visit to the green recovery sites was another major part of the field visit. Implementation of green recovery measures at this Ramsar site was initiated in January 2021. It has supported and guided vegetable cultivation in backyard of 72 beneficiaries in three villages – Jamboo, Suniti and Junusnagar. Freshwater aquaculture activities have been initiated including de-weeding, pond renovation, re-strengthening of the bund damaged due to cyclone Yaas. Nearly 96 beneficiaries practising aquaculture have benefitted through this. In this process, farmers have been mobilised towards wetland management by rainwater harvesting in their ponds, and practicing organic vegetable cultivation which supports soil biodiversity conservation. The mangrove rehabilitation activities have been initiated through development of a nursery site raising nearly 9000 saplings.
The third part of the visit was to conduct management effectiveness evaluation for Bhitarkanika Ramsar site. A preliminary round of assessment was carried out in consultation with Dr Pati, who will now be sharing the self-evaluated METT (management effectiveness tracking tool) form along with verification documents. Suggestions from the site manager for further improving the form were also noted.
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Frontline demonstration for organic vegetable cultivation in Jamboo village,Bhitarkanika © GIZ
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Mangrove nursery at Jagannathpur, Bhitarkanika © GIZ
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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
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