31 Aug, 2024
Films have a unique ability to inspire change. By capturing attention and evoking emotions, films can challenge perspectives, spark conversations, and encourage audiences to act. Through the ongoing Wetlands for LiFE Film Festival and Forum, we are harnessing this potential to raise awareness about the importance of India’s wetlands and their rich biodiversity, essential for sustaining life and livelihoods. Engaging citizens in the conservation of these ecosystems through participatory storytelling and filmmaking is at the heart of this initiative. The initiative thus prioritises citizen awareness and participation through a blend of film, education, and participatory videography, bringing together media, art, and environmental conservation in powerful ways.
Following its launch in February with the Indore Chapter, the Wetlands for LiFE Film Festival has continued to expand its reach. The second edition, held in Lucknow on the 1-3 July, brought together films, workshops, and discussions that sparked local action, particularly among 70 Wetland Mitras who were registered to support wetlands around Lucknow and Kanpur. The festival was inaugurated by Shri Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change Government of Uttar Pradesh. Participants also received hands-on training in Mobile Journalism (MoJo), with 50 participants learning to create impactful films and ten of these screened during the festival.
Most recently, the series travelled to Shimla for its third edition on 30-31 August, where it brought award-winning filmmakers, and their firsthand experience, into the dynamic exchange between government leaders, civil society, and local participants. Inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the event focused on Himachal’s wetlands, and showcased films and creative expressions like the Wetland Mitras’ self-produced films and a painting competition. These efforts have deepened the participatory spirit of the festival, reinforcing the role of citizens in wetland conservation.
Through this initiative, with its concluding chapter is planned for 3-4 October in New Delhi, the Wetlands for LiFE project continues to champion the protection of wetlands as vital ecosystems for biodiversity, water security, and community livelihoods, engaging citizens, media, and policymakers in a collective effort for conservation.
Shimla: Dignitaries watching Wetland-based films in presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sukhvinder Sukhu © GIZ India
Lucknow: Participation from the Hon’ble Environment Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Chief Representatives from the UP Forest Department © GIZ India
Mobile Journalism Filmmaking Workshop at Ambedkar University, Lucknow© GIZ India
Film screening at the Lucknow festival © GIZ India
Art corner at the Film Festival for visiting students © GIZ India
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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. 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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