Enhancing Ecosystem-Based Management Capacity for a Diversity of Wetland Stakeholders in Tamil Nadu

30 Sep, 2023

The conservation of wetlands is crucial for environmental sustainability, yet it often faces challenges due to limited capacity in managing these vital ecosystems. Enhancing the capabilities of those responsible for wetland management is essential.

In a significant stride towards this goal, the Indo-German Biodiversity Programme's Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection project, implemented by GIZ, recently carried out multi-stakeholder trainings in Tamil Nadu. These trainings, conducted in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Academy and the State Wetland Authority, were tailored based on a thorough assessment of capacity and training needs.

Key stakeholders, including Forest Rangers, District Forest Officers, Wildlife Wardens, CBOs/NGOs, and site-specific stakeholders like saltpan workers and fisher cooperatives, participated in these sessions. Over 400 individuals were trained, focusing on enhancing their skills for effective wetland management. This initiative marks a pivotal advancement in institutional capacity for ecosystem-based management and sets a precedent for future state-wise trainings, significantly contributing to the conservation of India's rich biodiversity. It aligns with the broader objectives of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership between India and Germany.

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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