03 Oct, 2024
Storytelling wields unique power in advancing sustainably managed wetlands. With wetlands deeply woven into India’s socio-cultural fabric, visual narratives can bridge complex environmental issues, translating them into compelling stories that resonate widely. Through film, we don’t just spread awareness; we inspire change. The Wetlands for LiFE Film Festival exemplifies this, having used visual storytelling throughout 2024 to showcase India’s wetlands and underscore their importance in sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and enriching ecosystems.
The initiative unfolds in two tiers: first, as an engaging film festival that brings together filmmakers, students, government officials, conservationists, and civil society; and second, as a platform for media professionals and journalism students to refine how wetlands are represented in public discourse.
Launched on 2 February 2024, World Wetland Day, by Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention, the festival travelled through Indore, Lucknow, and Shimla, gathering diverse participants—students, conservationists, birders, scientists, and citizens—at screenings, panel discussions, and participatory filmmaking workshops. The festival fostered an immersive experience around India’s wetlands as it moved from city to city.
In the lead-up to this closing event, a 10-day Green Film Fete in Delhi NCR extended the initiative’s reach, engaging hundreds of students and educators through environmental films, painting competitions, and expert-led discussions on wildlife, water, and climate change. Themes were made relatable, fostering environmental consciousness among young minds.
The journey concluded with the final chapter held at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Ganga Auditorium in New Delhi from 3-5 October 2024. This final event, attended by Mr. Jitendra Kumar, Director General of Forests, and Ms. Taina Dyckhoff, Head of Climate and Environment at the German Embassy, underscored the significance of this Indo-German initiative.
Over three days, screenings and panel discussions brought together students, environmentalists, and officials, with expert panels including award-winning filmmakers underscoring the impact of film in conservation. Many attendees pledged to become Wetland Mitras— “Friends of Wetlands”—committed to safeguarding these ecosystems.
Impact So Far:
The Wetlands for LiFE Film Festival has garnered widespread support from state leaders, environmental authorities, and local dignitaries who have called for it to become an annual event, embedded within communities to inspire action at every level. This endorsement highlights the festival’s profound impact, affirming that wetland conservation is not just an ecological cause—it’s a societal responsibility.
While this may be the final chapter of the Wetlands for LiFE project, the movement it has sparked is here to stay. This festival wasn’t just an event; it was a call to action, reminding us that every voice and story can contribute to conservation.
Organised in close partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Centre for Media Studies, the festival stands as a milestone in our commitment to conserving India’s biodiversity. It supports the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) between India and Germany, reinforcing our shared responsibility to protect these ecosystems for future generations.
Group photo of the panelist and organisers | © GIZ India
Students engaging in the film festival discussions | © GIZ India
Panel discussion on ‘Resilient Wetlands, Resilient Communities: Gender and Climate Adaptation’ | © GIZ India/Mitansh Dawda
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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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