Wetlands, often referred to as the Earth's kidneys, play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, ensuring water and air quality, and regulating climate. India boasts a diverse array of wetlands, from the expansive Sundarbans in the east to the pristine Dal Lake in the north. However, these invaluable ecosystems are under threat due to human activities, climate change, and urbanisation.
According to the World Wetlands Day 2022 report, India has lost over 38% of its wetlands between 1991 and 2019, largely due to urbanisation, agriculture expansion, and industrial development. The loss of wetlands exacerbates various environmental challenges, such as water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, notably for the coastal communities.
To safeguard the well-being of both the environment and the communities dependent on wetlands, a community-centric approach to restoration becomes imperative.
Community-Centric Approach:
The shift towards a community-centric approach in wetland restoration has gained momentum globally. Engaging local communities in the restoration process fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring long-term success. This model recognises the traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous communities, combining it with scientific expertise for effective restoration and conservation. India has witnessed successful examples of community-driven initiatives, where residents actively participate in the preservation and restoration of wetlands. The Ashtamudi Wetland in Kerala is a notable example where community-led efforts have led to the revival of this vital ecosystem.
Empowering Communities for Sustainable Change:
Engaging local communities in the restoration and conservation of wetlands is key to ensuring sustainable outcomes. This approach involves empowering locals with knowledge, skills, and resources to actively participate in the conservation process. Awareness campaigns, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives can equip communities with the tools needed to understand the importance of wetlands and engage in their restoration. By involving local stakeholders, restoration efforts become more sustainable and tailored to the specific needs of the community. For example, the involvement of the local fisher folk community in the conservation of Vikhroli mangroves has resulted in increased knowledge about conservation while benefiting the community with livelihood protection and sustenance of their income.
Economic Benefits:
Wetlands contribute significantly to the global economy by supporting fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. By involving local communities in restoration projects, there is a dual benefit of enhancing ecosystem services and creating sustainable livelihoods which further enhances the success of conservation initiatives. Incentives such as sustainable ecotourism, organic farming, and responsible fishing practices can not only preserve wetlands but also provide alternative livelihood options for communities dependent on these ecosystems.
A study by the World Bank estimates that the economic value of wetlands is approximately $47 trillion annually. The Chilika Lake in Odisha stands as a testament to the positive impact of such incentives, where community involvement has contributed to the lake’s ecological restoration and the well-being of local residents.
The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, emphasises the importance of community involvement in wetland management. The role of wetlands sustainable development and biodiversity conservation is increasingly recognised in policies and programs of the Government of India, as reflected in the Save Wetlands Campaign, Mission Sahbhagita, which calls for an all-of-society approach for institutional design, Amrit Dharohar which promotes mainstreaming of wetlands in developmental plans and programs at different levels aim to involve communities in the conservation of wetlands, recognizing their traditional wisdom and reliance on these ecosystems for livelihood.
The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) scheme is another effort by the Indian government designed to enhance mangrove cover along coastlines and saltpan lands, with a focus on areas like the Sundarbans Delta and Hooghly Estuary in West Bengal, as well as other parts of the country.
Tampara in Odisha serves as a prime example of community-based wetland restoration. The “Upscaling Community Resilience Through Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction” project, has made notable strides.
Local communities, deeply connected to these ecosystems, have an interest in the health of their environment. Engaging them in restoration efforts by providing them with the necessary tools and incentives and fostering a sense of ownership, India can embark on a path towards sustainable wetland restoration, preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.
—The author,Tejashree Joshi, is Head (Environment & Sustainability), at Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of Godrej Group. The views expressed are personal.
(Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)
First Published: Feb 2, 2024 10:01 AM IST
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