conservation of wetlands in the ganga basin · 2021. 2. 1. · objective 1: wetlands critical to...
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CONSERVATION OF WETLANDS IN THE GANGA BASIN
ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME ON WETLANDS WITH DISTRICT GANGA COMMITTEES
February 1, 2021
Suresh Babu, WWF-India
Why wetlands?
35% of wetlands, where data is available, have
been lost since 1970
Rate of loss 3 X greater than
that of forests
• Degradation of catchment (landuse changes)• Changes in hydrological regimes (over abstraction, fragmentation)• Invasive species • Pollution (domestic, industrial)• Lack of stakeholder ownership
Loss of wetlands,
faster than that
of forests
Government of India’s approach
Inventorization of Wetlands and Preparation of Brief Documents
Preparation of Wetland Health Cards
Enrollment of Wetland Mitras
Preparation of Integrated Management Plan
Information on
wetland, their
ecosystem services
and biodiversity
values, threat and
management needs
Condition of wetlands
Identifying solutions,
forming action plans
with budgets Identifying, enrolling,
engaging multiple
stakeholders
1. Brief documents (as per Wetland Rules 2017)
• Step 1: Identification, Location & Jurisdiction
• Step 2: Site Characteristics
• Step 3: Biodiversity
• Step 4: Ecosystem Services
• Step 5: Pre-Existing Rights and Privileges
• Step 6: Present and Potential Threats
• Step 7: Activities proposed to be prohibited
• Step 8: Activities proposed to be regulated
• Step 9: Activities proposed to be permitted
• Step 10: Listing of available scientific resources used.
5
Mapping Zone of Influence
Data CollectionDigital Elevation Model
SRTM DEM (30 m)
Satellite Images
Multi Temporal LISS IV (5.8 m)
Field survey Data
GPS data
Data Processing
• Masking rough boundary
• Stream delineation using Arc
hydro toolbox (ArcGIS)
• Catchment delineation after
carefully selecting the outlets
• Extracting area of interest for all Multi
temporal satellite images
• Mapping Land cover features through
ERDAS software
• Mapping temporal variations in snow
cover, water spread areas
• Mapping geomorphological features
that could influence wetland
• Field validation of
the locations
• Outlets iteratively selected using all primary and secondary information
• Delineated stream network, inlets& outlets of wetland overlaid on Google earth 3D to check for
boundary conditions and correct delineation of streams
• Temporal water spread area and snow cover mapped data used to assess the influence
• Contributing hydrological catchment area delineated
• Geomorphological and other landforms within the features like landslides, alluvial fans, land covers
overlaid on delineated catchment boundary to adjust/expand influencing area (this could be outside the
hydrological boundaries but strong enough to influence the wetland health)
Catchment area
mapping and
Validations
Zone of Influence
Maps• Hydrological catchment boundaries and other landforms/ landuse features assessed
• Zone of influence delineated
7
UNDP SECURE HIMALAYAS PROJECT
Wetland map for the basins
Understanding the landuse/Landcover
20001973
2010 2018
Rapid assessment of ecosystem Services and assessing community dependency
Ecosystem
ServicesDuration of Ecosystem Services
Severity of Dependency as
perceived by the community
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Irrigation demand for agriculture. March ending till mid September
Jungdemo
Low. Dependency has decreased in
the past few years. Agriculture land
now used for other purposes like
building tourist related
infrastructure.
Chukil
Low. Dependency has decreased in
the past 2-3 years. Few Tibetan
refugees who used to cultivate
land have moved to Leh/other
places.
Raar
Medium. Most of the agriculture
land here. 48-50 households of
Chukil wetland have their
agriculture land here.
ShadobugMedium. Around 40 household
have agriculture land.
Provisioning Services
Indicator Jungdemo Chukil Shado Bug
Fresh water √ √ √
Food √ √ √
Fuel X X X
Fibre √ √ √
Ornamental
resourcesX X X
Natural medicines X X √
Regulatory Services
Indicator Jungdemo Chukil Shado Bug
Local climate
regulation√ √ √
Water regulation √ √ √
Flood hazard
regulation√ √ √
Storm hazard
regulationX X X
Erosion regulation √ √ √
Water purification X X X
Cultural Services
Indicator Jungdemo Chukil Shado Bug
Cultural heritage √ √ √
Recreation and
tourism√ √ √
Aesthetic value √ √ √
Spiritual and
religious value√ X X
Inspirational Value √ √ √
Educational and
researchX √ √
Supporting Services
Indicator Jungdemo Chukil Shado Bug
Primary production √ √ √
Nutrient cycling √ √ √
Water recycling √ √ √
Provision of habitat √ √ √
RAPID Assessment of Ecosystem Services
2. Wetland Health Assessment
• Indicates the status of threatsand overall ecological condition
• Important factor inprioritization of wetlands forimplementation ofconservation measures.
• Regular monitoring of wetlandhealth key to assess impacts ofconservation projects
• Helps in identifying correctivemeasures if required during theimplementation ofconservation projects
Wetland Health
Wetland Area
Hydrology and
Catchment
Water Quality
Biodiversity
Governance
Source: MoEFCC
Change in wetland
area
Channel health
(inflow and outflow)
Hydrology and
Catchment
Tools
Survey form, GIS mapping, interview with local community/ stakeholders
Chemical parameters
Physical parameters
Biological parameters
Water Quality
Tools
Water analysis kit, water analysis meters, table for data collection
Avi-fauna
Macrophytes
Algae & Zoo-benthos
Biodiversity
Tools
Biodiversity survey forms, data on birds, invasive species,
Binoculars, camera, bird book for identification
Clearly demarcated
wetlands map
Wetland Management
plan
Wetlands notification
Governance
Tools
Review of maps, Management plans
Ecosystem
Health Score
Ecosystem
Health Rank
Health
Category
Between
0.96 - 1
A+ Very good
Between
0.91 – 0.95
A- Very good
Between
0.86 - 0.90
B+ Good
Between
0.81 – 0.85
B- Good
Between
0.76 – 0.80
C+ Moderate
Between
0.71 – 0.75
C- Moderate
Between
0.61 – 0.70
D Low
0.60 and
below
E Very Low
Indicator Desired value
% wetland converted to non-wetland use since 2000 0
Ratio of number of natural inlets choked and diverted
to total number of natural inlets
<0.2
Ratio of number of natural outlets choked and
diverted to total number of natural outlets
<0.2
Biological Oxygen Demand(BOD) Between 3-6 mg/l
% wetland area covered by invasive macrophytes <10%
Annual waterbird count as a proportion of average
count of last 5 years0.7
Clearly demarcated wetlands map Wetlands map
prepared and
approved by
CWLW/SWA
Wetlands management plan Management plan
prepared and
approved by
CWLW/SWA
Wetlands Notification Wetlands notified
under WPA/by
SWA
Government of India with States preparing
WH Cards for 1000 wetlands in the country
3. Prioritization of Wetlands based on Health Score
Low
Wetland
Health,
High threats
High Wetland
Health Score,
Low Threats
Periodic Monitoring,
Light management
Moderate
Wetland
Health, High
threats
Active Management,
regular monitoring
High priority
wetlands for active
management
Wetland PrioritizationLow Priority for Management Intervention
High Priority
Establishing a hydrological monitoring system in the wetlands
Monitoring Water regimes (inflows and outflows)
• Water level: Staff gauge installation
• Depth: Bathymetric surveys (baselines)
• Hydrological monitoring (inflows, outflows)
• Water quality monitoring:
• Physico-chemical
• Macro-zoobenthic fauna: Two seasons
• Phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity and density
• Macrophytic diversity and density
4. Developing a Management Plan
STEP 1
Describing the wetland and its values
STEP 2
Identifying threats
STEP 3
Identifying management actions
STEP 4
Defining institutional arrangements
STEP 5
Budgeting and financing
Identifying management actions(To be identified in consultation with key stakeholders)
Wetland committees
Notification of wetlands
Management plans
Monitoring and evaluation
Institutions & Governance
Biodiversity Surveys
Hydrological Assessments
Water Quality studies
Assessment of socio-economic aspects
Monitoring and research
Formation of wetland mitras
Awareness programme
Outreach Activities
Capacity building and education programme
Communication tools
CEPA
Identification of micro-enterprise development based on assessment of community livelihoods, capacities, resources and market linkages
Sustainable income generation plan
Eco tourism plan
Sustainable livelihoods and
ecotourism
Inventorization of flora and fauna of the wetland
Seasonal biodiversity surveys
Species and habitats conservation
Bathymetry profiles
Selective dredging and desilting based on bathymetric profile
Restoration of connectivity (assessments and basin level work)
Stipulation of environmental flows
Water quality improvement programmes (agriculture, sewage)
Seasonal water quality assessments and wetland health assessments
Water and basin management
Boundary mapping and delineation:
Establishment of site boundary and zone of influence with reference to inundation regimes, soil conditions, vegetation types and landscape connectivity
Removal of encroachments through notification of wetland boundary and implementation of legal protection.
Catchment Conservation
Agencies to be
engaged
Forest
Department, Gram
Panchayats, Van
Panchayats,
Watershed dept
Agencies to be
engaged
Department of
Tourism, Tour
operators and
Hiking and
Trekking
Groups
Agencies to be
engaged
SWA, Forest
Department,
Colleges and
Universities
Agencies to be
engaged
District
Administration,
Forest Dept,
Irrigation
Department,
research
institutes
Agencies to be
engaged
Forest Department,
SWA, District
Wetland
Committees,
Biodiversity
Committees, Gram
and Van Panchayats
Agencies to be engaged
District Administration,
Irrigation Department,
research institutes
Agencies to be
engaged
Forest Department,
Local colleges,
universities, expert
institutions
5. WETLAND MITRAS-
Deepening engagement with Stakeholders
WETLAND
MITRAS
People living along
wetlands People residing in
the catchment/z
one of influence
Communities (fisherman,
boatmen)
BS&G, NSS, Asha
Anganwadi, Sanitation Workers
Panchayat Raj
Institutions, Urban local bodies, DGC
Nodal officers
Schools, universities,
colleges, NGOs,
Civil Society Organization
Corporate houses,
Industries
Government Department at District, State and
Centre level
Religious institutions,
ashrams, faith based
organizations
Mitra
Enrolment
Form
Disseminate the concept
Open call for participation/ engagement
GO/office order by State Wetland
Authority
Disseminate the concept
Open call for participation/ engagement
GO/office order by State Wetland
Authority
Identify self-motivated individuals who can
mobilize others
Liaise with Educational Institutes,
NCC, NSS, Gram Panchayats/Urban
Local Bodies
Identify self-motivated individuals who can
mobilize others
Liaise with Educational Institutes,
NCC, NSS, Gram Panchayats/Urban
Local Bodies
Encourage District Wetland Committee/ Wetland managers to organize consultative
meetings and workshops with enrolled mitras
Purpose and objectives of wetland
mitra network
Develop Action plan for a year
Encourage District Wetland Committee/ Wetland managers to organize consultative
meetings and workshops with enrolled mitras
Purpose and objectives of wetland
mitra network
Develop Action plan for a year
Support Wetland Mitras with capacity building initiatives,
tools and knowledge
Review and modify action plans as
needed
Support Wetland Mitras with capacity building initiatives,
tools and knowledge
Review and modify action plans as
needed
Evaluate the performance against
objectives
SWA to recognize best performers
(group and individual) Wetland mitras
Evaluate the performance against
objectives
SWA to recognize best performers
(group and individual) Wetland mitras
ENROLLMENT TO ACTION
Start small; slowly expand the network
Understanding the concept, enrolling as
Mitras
Capacity Building of Mitras, understanding
roles and responsibilities
Liaison with Educational Institutes, NCC, NSS, Gram Panchayats/ Urban Local
Bodies
Meetings with District Wetland Committee and
Wetland Managers
Developing the short term and long term action plan
for the year
Engagement in outreach, conservation and policy
and advocacy works.
Monthly/quarterly Meetings and
Performance evaluation Recognition
And the conservation journey continues
0-1 Months 2-3 Months 3-5 Months
5-6 Months 6-7 Months 8-12 Months
Ongoing15 -18 Months8-15 Months
Timelines
Objective 1: Wetlands critical to maintain the hydrological, geomorphological and ecological balance of the Ganga basin are identified, their health status is established and conservation measures identified.
Objective 2: Ecosystem based, community-led models for rejuvenating wetlands are demonstrated to enhance aviralta and nirmalta, and strategy for scale up at the basin level is developed.
Objective 3: Enabling policies for integrating wetland conservation in relevant and supporting programmes at the State and National level to facilitate restoration of aviral Ganga are developed.
Objective 4: Stakeholders are empowered to contribute constructively to conservation of river-wetland continuum.
Integrated river and wetland conservation efforts rejuvenate the Ganga and provide ecosystem services for people and nature.
Next steps: Mapping of Wetlands in the Districts focusing on urban, floodplain and high biodiversity value wetlands: A Citizen’s Initiative
Geo-Spatial Mapping of Wetlands
Ground TruthingSurvey by
Wetland Mitrasto assess bio-
physical characters and assessment of
Wetland Health
Stakeholder Perception
Survey
Validation from cadastral records
Development of Wetland Inventory
District Ganga Committees championing the cause of Wetland Conservation
Inventorization of Wetlands and Preparation of Brief Documents
Preparation of Wetland Health Cards
Enrollment of Wetland Mitras
Preparation of Integrated Management Plan