Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection

Wetlands play an important role in climate and biodiversity protection. Therefore, the project contributes to improving the management of wetlands in India by promoting the ecosystem-based integrated management of wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites) through capacity and network building in seven states. Specific project objectives include the development of planning and monitoring tools, capacity building, implementation of green recovery measures (post COVID-19) and strengthening of cooperation networks. The closing of management and capacity gaps and the active participation of different actors at central, state and local levels will lead to better protection of the biodiversity and ecosystem services of wetlands, strengthen their climate resilience and improve the living conditions of people in the catchment area of the selected sites.

Project data

Countries: India
IKI funding: 5,850,000.00 €
Duration: 09/2018 till 08/2025
Status: open
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Political Partner: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) - India
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) - India

Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA)

Development of Humane Action (DHAN) Foundation

Wetlands International South Asia (WISA)
Online: http://indo-germanbiodiversity.com/projects-wetlands+management+for+biodiversity+and+climate+protection.html

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State of implementation/results

Based on consultations and results of hydro-ecological and socio-economic analyses as well as climate risk and vulnerability analyses, four integrated management plans were developed for three Ramsar sites (total area 147,305 hectares).
As part of the Corona Response Package, the project supported site-specific and demand-driven green recovery activities, especially at the project sites Bhitarkanika and Point Calimere. More than 700 families benefited from alternative sustainable livelihoods (e.g. sustainable fishing, ecotourism, handicrafts) and livelihood protection and restoration activities (restoration of mangroves, fishing channels and ponds).
The project supported the development of the official national online portal Wetlands of India (www.indianwetlands.in). The portal is used as a dynamic knowledge platform, including for the ‘Save the Wetlands’ campaign.
The Wetlands Authority of Tamil Nadu was supported in the designation of new Ramsar sites.
Wetland management tools and guidelines such as ‘Wetlands Inventory, Assessment and Monitoring Framework for Indian Wetlands’, ‘Managing Climate Risks in Wetlands’ and ‘Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) for Indian Wetlands’ were published and presented at international events such as the CMS COP and the Ramsar COP.
On Wetlands Day 2025, a textbook with six learning modules for the conservation and management of wetlands was published. This will be used to build skills in the areas of hydrology, sustainable use and management and includes customized training plans for different target groups.
In collaboration with (government) training institutes and partner organisations, 2567 participants (forest officials, area managers and community members) have been trained in wetland management. An interactive e-learning course on ‘Wetland Conservation and Management in India’ is available on the online portal ‘Wetlands of India’.
The national Amrit Dharohar initiative is promoting the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) for wetlands to monitor the effectiveness of wetland management in all Ramsar sites in India. For effective use, the project has organized a series of regional trainings.
The project's ‘Communication, Education, Participation and Public Awareness (CEPA)’ initiative ‘Wetlands for LiFE’ included film festivals, collection and awareness campaigns. Over 6000 people took part in the initiative's events.
Project publications on site assessments, manuals and information sheets, e.g. ‘Cultural Significance of Indian Wetlands’ and short films, such as the documentation of the bird census in Pong, are used by state authorities to impart knowledge and raise awareness.

Latest Update:
04/2025