WORLD WETLAND DAY CELEBRATION ON 2nd FEBRUARY 2013

DIVISIONAL FOREST OF FICER, WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION, SULLURPET

World Wetlands Day Celebration in Pulicat and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuaries, Wildlife Management Division, Sullurpet, District of , on 2nd February 2013

Wetlands are arguably one of the most important ecological structures in existence. Wetlands are depend on by countless animal and plant species. They serve as breeding grounds for migrating birds and resident amphibians, permanent homes for fish species, social interaction amongst mammals who congregate there for water, and an escape from the heat of the sun for countless reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Rarely is there a wetland seen without vegetation fighting for the resources wetlands provide. Some vegetation species only are found amongst swamps and ephemeral ponds. Wetlands are seen as the cornerstone of wildlife populations.

On the eve of World wetland day on 2 nd February, 2013 at the famous Pulicat and Nelapattu Birds Sanctuaries, Wildlife Management Division, Sullurpet organized few programmes to create awareness on importance and values of Wetlands. Departmental staff, teachers, more than 450 students, Biologist, Naturalist and NGOs participated in the programme. Local NGO by name Pulicat Lake Birds Lovers Society, Sullurpet is actively involved and coordinated with the Department. Students from Government schools as well as private schools, teachers and Wildlife Management Division staff participated in the rally at Sullurpet town with Placards and slogans to make Sullurpet know the importance of the Wetlands day

Forest Staff and Students participated in the rally at Sullurpet town the WWD function Rural Awareness Folk arts presented a beautiful show to the students the importance of wetlands in particular and Nature in general. The programme highly delighted the participants. It is very educative and recreation. Music, magic and dance are composed effectively to motivate the participants in the programme.

Rural Awareness Folk arts to create Awareness and recreation to students the WWD

Painting Competition: Painting competitions have been conducted to the school children and best ones are chosen by the MEO and other teachers. Elocution Competition: Elocution competitions have been conducted to the school children and best ones are chosen by the MEO and other teachers. The students very well presented on Wetland topic to our surprise. Quiz Competition: Quiz competition have been conducted to the school children and best ones are chosen by the MEO and other teachers.

Competitions conducted to the school children the WWD function The lunch is provided to the students. Nearly 450 students participate in the programme. The programme was concluded with prize distribution and an oath by students for protection of wetlands and its Environment .

Prize distribution ceremony and an oath by students

Mr. Odd. W. Jocobsen, Biologist, Bergen University college, Norway who has been on tour to Sullurpet joined the programme and shared his views on wetlands with the Staff and Students present on the occasion.

Group photos with participant on the eve of World wetland day celebration

Prepared by Sri N.V. Sivaram Prasad, SFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Management Division, Sullurpet, Andhra Pradesh, Forest Department. [email protected]