National Workshop on ‘Strategic Planning for 2-Step Integrated Management Planning of Wetlands and Implementation of Amrit Dharohar’

17 Jul, 2023

Integrated Management Plans (IMP) are critical in achieving management objectives for wetlands, as they are based on principles of conservation and wise use. However, availability of extensive research data and need for cross-sectoral planning have been significant hurdle in developing IMPs. As a result, it eventually led to the initiation of stakeholder's dialogue on simplifying IMP preparation process with the objective to enable the implementation of Government of India’s Amrit Dharohar scheme for Ramsar Sites. The format for preparing IMP is captured in the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) Guidelines, released in 2019.

In line with the perspective, the ‘Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection’ project, a technical cooperation project of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, supported by IKI-BMUV and implemented by GIZ, organised a National Workshop on ‘Strategic Planning for 2-Step Integrated Management Planning of Wetlands and Implementation of Amrit Dharohar’. The workshop is held in coordination with Environmental Planning and Coordination Organisation (EPCO), a nodal agency of Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority (MPSWA). This three-day event was organised in Bhopal from 13-15 July 2023. The workshop saw extensive participation from various State Wetland Authorities (SWAs) and their representatives, Site Managers and Knowledge Partners that fostered rich dialogues on various aspects of wetland management planning.

Inaugural session of the National Workshop at Bhopal © EPCO

On Day 1, a two-step approach was presented with introduction of Framework Management Plan (FMP) that provides basic framework for less resource- intensive prioritised actions and can lay the groundwork for IMP preparation. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to expedite the implementation of the Amrit Dharohar initiative in Ramsar Sites. Roundtable discussions were held to focus on the different components of Framework Management Plan proposal and on the existing NPCA Guidelines and how these support implementation of Amrit Dharohar scheme.

Round table discussions ©GIZ/Shivani Goyal

On the second day, the discussion continued with orientation on the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) for evaluating the efficacy of wetland management strategies. Organised by EPCO, the participants also had opportunity to visit Bhoj Wetland and its interpretation centre, Jal Tarang. The visit included a plenary discussion on key ingredients of an interactive interpretation centres.

The workshop concluded with participants collaborating to develop preliminary state roadmaps for wetland management under the Amrit Dharohar initiative. Conducted in a participatory manner, the workshop set the stage for focused effort towards strengthening existing policies and providing input into the upcoming developments of various wetland-related policies.

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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