As part of the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) organized a multi-stakeholder exposure visit to Wular and Hokersar Lakes in Jammu & Kashmir, India. This initiative aimed to enhance cross-regional knowledge exchange on Integrated Wetland Management Planning (IWMP), bringing together lake managers, government officials, and conservation experts to explore sustainable wetland management practices.
The Role of Wetlands in Climate and Biodiversity Conservation
Wetlands are critical ecosystems that provide essential services such as biodiversity conservation, water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration. However, many wetlands worldwide, including those in India’s Assam region, face increasing pressures from pollution, land encroachment, and climate change. Developing and implementing effective IWMP strategies is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems while balancing conservation with community livelihoods.
A Collaborative Learning Experience
This knowledge exchange visit facilitated learning from the Wular Lake Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), a leading body responsible for the conservation and restoration of Wular Lake, a designated Ramsar Site since 1991. Participants, including representatives from Assam’s Forest Department, Pollution Control Board, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, and Water Resources Department, engaged in interactive discussions and on-site field visits to study best practices in ecosystem restoration, sustainable dredging, and community-based conservation initiatives.
The program included key presentations from experts, such as:
- Mr. Owais Mir, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), WUCMA, who shared insights into the evolution of wetland conservation policies and large-scale restoration efforts at Wular Lake.
- Dr. Mayur Bawri, Project Manager, LLBCP, who presented on the challenges and successes of wetland conservation efforts at Deepor Beel, Assam, emphasizing the importance of cross-regional collaboration.
- Dr. Tasaduq Hussain, Professor at SKUAST-K, who highlighted the role of fish diversity in wetland ecosystems and its significance as a bioindicator for environmental health.
- Ms. P. Monica Kishore, Divisional Forest Officer, Guwahati Wildlife Division, who discussed strategies for community-driven conservation efforts, including alternative livelihoods such as sustainable fisheries and handicrafts made from invasive aquatic plants.
Field Visits: Hands-On Learning for Wetland Managers
On November 6, 2024, participants visited Wular Lake, where they observed innovative conservation practices, such as:
- Lotus plantation initiatives aimed at improving water quality.
- Eco-friendly infrastructure designed to enhance biodiversity without disrupting local communities.
- Sustainable dredging operations to restore lake depth and mitigate siltation issues.
The group also visited Hokersar Wetland, where they explored its role in flood management and sediment control, and Dachigam National Park, which provided further insights into the broader ecological landscape that supports wetland health.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
This exposure visit reinforced the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in wetland conservation. By learning from WUCMA’s experiences, participants from Assam gained valuable insights into policy frameworks, sustainable management practices, and community engagement models that can be adapted to protect and restore wetlands in their own regions.
The Living Lakes Network continues to play a vital role in facilitating knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and international cooperation to safeguard lakes and wetlands worldwide. As wetland ecosystems face increasing threats, initiatives like this exchange program are essential to ensuring that conservation strategies are science-based, community-driven, and climate-resilient.
