Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment January to March, 2008 Volume 1 Issue 1

Forward Photo: Deepak Elixir of Life !! supports they provide. creased conflicts. ATREE The environmental con- is trying to address some Festival ditions of most are of the conservation is- in a steady decline due sues faced by ATREE, along with to severe anthropogenic by bringing to- State Land Use Board and pressures and deserve gether local communities WWF— has organized immediate conservation and institutions to ‘Wetland Festival—2008’ at attention to overcome strengthen wetland man- the imminent water cri- agement. Through its to celebrate the sis. Community Environ- ‘World Day’ ob- mental Resource Centre served on February 2nd. The Coastal backwaters and (CERC), established at inland water bodies are Alappuzha, ATREE aims program was attended by economically efficient to build multi-sectoral students and stakeholders of systems, now fast declin- Vembanad—Kol wetland is and multi- stakeholder the wetlands of Kerala. The ing due to lack of care, the largest Ramsar site in partnerships at the local day was marked by several India. Photo: Priyadarsanan improper management, level to influence deci- over exploitation and sion making, increase events to spread the message Every living creature lack of awareness. One coordination between of wetland conservation. Read needs clean and safe of the hopes of wetland stakeholders and more about the celebrations in conservation lies in the drinking water. One of strengthen their capacity the Wetland Festival Supple- the major challenges of ‘active involvement of to address the various ment in page 4 and 5. humanity today is to the dependent communi- issues related to the balance increasing de- ties’ in the management sustainable management mands for fresh water of natural resources. of Vembanad Wetlands. and integrity of fresh- This can be strengthened water biodiversity and by Institutionalizing com- If Kerala is ‘God’s own Inside this issue: munity rights over pro- country’ as it is popularly aquatic environment. What is at Stake ? 2 More than 1/3rd of tection and harvest of known, Vembanad Lake the natural resources. is the ‘signature of Al- the humanity today is Jalapaadom becomes popular 3 living without adequate mighty’ leasing out his Vembanad Lake (Kerala) in Vembanad Schools fresh water and fore- land to humanity. - the largest tropical casts state that two ATREE’s Vemabanad Rays of Hope 3 wetland ecosystem on thirds of the World Team is happy to pre- the southwest coast of Jaladarpanam—A Participa- 4 population will be sent this News Letter India is only next to the tory Program for Water without safe drinking ‘Vembanad’, reflecting Quality Monitoring Arabian Sea in terms of water by the year the charm (and agonies) supporting maximum 2025. of this magnificent lake Bridging Knowledge Gaps 5 livelihood activities. with a special focus on Apart from this, Vemba- The wetlands and its conservation issues. Wetland News 5 rivers, store more nad Lake has immense than 90% of the conservation importance - Priyadarsanan Outreach 5 as a designated Ramsar liquid fresh water Wetland Festival—2008 6, 7 on earth surface, site. Since livelihood activities of a large num- are important for Community Environmental 8 ber of people are di- “Oh! Water stream, come human develop- Resource Centre with a ment due to the rectly dependent on the near to me. You are the elixir of immortality” Mission important ecosys- Lake, the deterioration tem and livelihood of extent and quality of Atharva Veda, 3:13:6 Policies Pertinent to the 8 the lake leads to in- Vembanad Wetlands

Page 2 Vembanad

What is at Stake ?

The functions performed by graphic Travel Magazine to tor will also be analyzed. Ap- the wetlands in biodiversity declare Kerala as a must see proach papers and action plans conservation, flood control, destination. Even though the will be prepared and shared in livelihood assistance to the recent growth rate of tourism various forums to draw atten- people living around, water industry is exponential, and it tion of all concerned policy shed services and services to has opened up a new arena of makers, local leaders, stake- the industries around are in- livelihood opportunities, the holders, to the critical situa- Health of the wet- credible. Stakeholder aware- lack of a vision and organized tion. Citizens’ reports will be lands is critical to the ness and capacity building initia- planning is clearly visible. developed on the basis of sur- tives for managing Vembanad veys and policy analysis. survival of fishermen There is a visible shift from Socio- ecological system, is an farming, fishing and other tradi- Panchayath Raj Institutions important program of CERC. tional livelihood sectors to (PRI) have to play a significant Interactions with various com- tourism, construction and role in implementing any envi- munities including leaders of other associated industries. In ronment management plan. community organizations, Gov- tandem with other factors, Appropriate capacity building ernment officials at local level, paddy fields are increasingly of PRI leaders in association local self governments, self- being left fallow even as and with various training institutes help groups, political unions while the state depends on rice of the Government such as and other groups revealed that “The fertile lands from neighboring states. Kerala Institute for Local Ad- ministration (KILA) is also on once called ‘the rice bowl of Kerala’ Clam collectors are is slowly getting one of the most vul- its name as a nerable communities ‘waste bowl of depending Vembanad Photo: Kiran Kerala’ .” respective stakes are unique The fertile region once called our agenda. and require an understanding ‘the rice bowl of Kerala’ is of local conditions and realities. slowly assuming the derogative ATREE feels duty bound to ‘waste bowl of Kerala’. The assist the PRIs in Vembanad There is conflict of interest lake is a sink for pollutant wetland region to develop among the primary stake- brought by the seven rivers environmental management holders in Vembanad. Such that drain into it. Human in- plans as part of their annual interests emerge to the fore- duced changes have also lead development plans during the front by various groups while th to the depletion of fish and 11 plan period. We are ex- Agriculture is the most stakes are discussed. Incorpo- resources. More than a hun- ploring the possibility of com- important livelihood ration of such stakes and inter- dred varieties of fishes that bined workshops with KILA to activity of the region ests into the planning and im- were present a couple of dec- organize vision sharing work- plementation of activities of the ades ago have reduced to a shops in this context. program is important for figure of 58 as shown by recent achieving the goals of wetland The role of media in highlight- studies. conservation and management. ing the major issues will be Way Forward channeled suitably. Various Vembanad’s picturesque envi- Government policies in the ronment with intricate net- Departmental support systems pipeline need a closer look for

Photo: Deepak work of canals and backwaters and the roles of Panchayath Raj facilitating remedial interven- bordered by coconut palms, institutions in resolving perti- tion to the sector. Such Policy extensive paddy fields that are nent issues under local planning bridging initiatives at the State below mean sea level, large process are being assessed. and National level will be an- flocks of birds and the warm The functions of the existing other target to fulfill. hospitality of the people co-operative societies to safe- prompted the National Geo- guard the interest of each sec- - Latha Bhaskar

Page 3 Vembanad Preparations Jalapaadom Becomes Popular in Vembanad Schools Getting Teachers Ready

Teachers are the architects of next Jalapaadom (Lessons on wa- schools and a Photo: Deepak generation. Any program aiming at ter) is a unique environmental few colleges molding the next generation should education program designed and Teacher start from the teachers. To make for the students in the Vem- Training Insti- the teachers ready to take up the banad region. The program tutes adjoining responsibilities of leading the WSCs, aims to create awareness Vembanad a workshop was organized at the among the students about the Lake. The project activities ATREE-CERC on 31.10.2007. 43 coordinate the activities of teachers from the WSCs participated ecological functions of the are carried out through Wet- WSC in each school. Formal in the workshop. Ms. Anitha Sharma lake ecosystem and about the land Study Centres (WSCs) inaugurations of the study inaugurated the program and ex- socio-cultural and economic established in each participat- centers were organized in all plained the education module to the significance of wetlands. Ulti- ing institution. these schools thereby initiat- participants. Mr. Jojo T.D. introduced mately this is expected to ing the functioning. Weekly the calendar of events for various Each Wetland Study Centre wetland activities during the aca- motivate the young genera- meetings, invited lectures, has 60 to 80 active members. demic year. tion to appreciate the values documentary screening, no- Convener and Joint conven- of wetlands, so that they be- tice boards displays, competi- News ers were selected from come advocates for wetland tions, field trips, etc. are among the students and two Jalapaadom Inaugurated conservation. Jalapaadom is among the activities of WSCs. implemented in 40 village teachers were selected to Mr. K.C Venugopal, MLA of Alap- - T. D. Jojo puzha inaugurated the Jalapaadom program on 4th October 2007 at the Jalapaadom was inaugurated on October 4th, 2007 YMCA Hall in a function chaired by Dr. Ravi Chellam, Director of ATREE. Mr. P.P. Chitharanjan, Mu- nicipal Chairman of Alappuzha re- leased the official logo of Jalapaadom. All the speakers expressed their concern over the issues of Vembanad and appreciated ATREE for its timely intervention and assured all possible Paintings by school children support for its efforts. Mr. K.V Dayal, the well known environmentalist Rays of Hope …. motivated students to be committed to protect their environment and To be in the land of the famed and environment” especially teacher in charge Mr. Sibi Jo- take sincere efforts to safeguard the and endemic cow was since it is part of their every seph quickly arranged the stu- Lake from further destruction. He good enough. But little did I day life. Gokul, the President dents in the big hall – a mixed distributed the water quality testing expect the response from the and Sreelakshmi the Secretary group of very obedient girls kits to WSCs. children who assembled for the of the Student Wetland Study and boys who were tensed need for commitment to na- first interaction about Wetland Centre were confident about about the upcoming School ture and society. The children Study Centre at the Vechoor their roles and responsibilities, Youth Festival. The response displayed very strong interest Devi Vilasom School, in the though shy in addressing the to the class on ‘ecology and and were able to list the unique tiring pre-lunch hours!! But the gathering. environment and the need to features about Vembanad Lake. bubbling group that assembled have a research mentality in The experience in the Kudave- The project that was done last surprised me. The teacher in life’ was exciting. Data collec- year on migratory birds by an charge, Mr. Sivankutty’s intro- choor St.Michael’s Higher Sec- tion through close observation ondary School was different as outgoing student also proved ductory speech reflected the of the surroundings as a re- the awareness of the teachers depth of awareness and knowl- the students were mostly from search methodology was ap- higher classes. Students are have about local ecology and edge about the complex issues pealing to many of them. nature. ranging from tourism to land enthusiastic about the purpose based toxins that are impacting and aim of WSCs and are com- The ABVHS School at Mu- These are few interactions and the integrity of the Lake. The mitted to conserve this lake for hamma stands in the midst of a responses from the schools we student group numbering 80 future generations. The sprawl- huge sandy campus with trees visited The silent, yet strong listened with a lot of attention ing campus of the school and an old building. Mr. Ajithlal commitment of the young while Jojo and me explained touches the banks of the lake extended all help to assemble a minds provides rays of hope. and many of the participants group of 40 students. His in- the uniqueness of Vembanad - Anitha Sharma lake, its impact on the “ecology come to school by boat. The troductory speech linked the

Page 4 Vembanad

Jaladarpanam — A Participatory Program for Water Quality Monitoring Water bodies reflect the hy- operative societies, youth College students hunt for the giene habits of the community clubs, clam collectors, women pathogens living around it. The growing self help groups, as well as Absence of proper sewerage systems population pressure, migration, some educational institutions. on the banks as well as emergence of new stake- Initial training was provided by tourism cause direct faecal contami- holders, private dominance of the CERC team. A series of nation of Vembanad Lake. As a result Photo: Priyadarsanan resource allocation and use technical training sessions to the Lake is becoming a cesspool of Exponential growth in diversity of pathogens. Alappuzha and the granting of rights by screen the water samples using district is known for seasonal out- the number of house- the Government to use the field test kits is scheduled. The breaks of diseases like Cholera and boats is detrimental to water body without evaluating results will be carefully docu- other Gastrointestinal diseases. Sandeep and Sophia, MSc. students of the water quality its cumulative impact on the mented. Further water quality wetland and its biota, have all testing will be done in certified M. A. College for Advanced Studies, led to uncontrolled lake con- laboratories identified for the Tiruvalla are all set to hunt for the microbial pathogens of Vembanad tamination. This deteriorated purpose and with whom part- lake under the guidance of Dr. Jaya- water quality of the lakes nerships have been installed. chandran. This ATREE supported causes water borne diseases, student project will help in mapping thus affecting the well being of A query to the UNDP Solution the magnitude and diversity of patho- the people and habitat needs of Exchange website for Water gens present in the water of Vemba- community on lake water nad lake as well as the hotspots of other life forms. Constant bacterial contamination in the lake. monitoring of the water quality monitoring received several “Fourteen Caretaker Teams Plunder the future

of stakeholders Rampant illegal join the mission to sand mining de- stroys the ecol- monitor and ogy of the lake protect the water bed Photo: Shali Ajit quality .” for better understanding about expert opinions. The PDF ver- Upcoming Activities the condition of the lakes is sion of this consolidated Reply important for developing effec- can be found at http:// • Inauguration of Jaladapanam tive management practices. www.solutionexchange-un.net. • Inauguration of Basin Sta- With this aim CERC is imple- in/environment/cr/cr-se-wes- tions for water quality menting “Jaladarpanam” a 15110701.pdf . Collective ac- monitoring unique participatory water tion, ranging from grass root quality monitoring program, to level to policy level is hoped to • Survey among primary Water is stagnant and motivate and involve the peo- be achieved through the com- stakeholders of poor quality in many ple living around as the care- bined efforts of ATREE— canals takers of the Lake. CERC and the enthusiastic • Workshops for PRI Leaders partner teams around the Lake on preparation of Environ- When people have stakes in along with the respective mental Management Plans managing common property Panchayaths. • Summer camps for students resources, conservation initia- tives can show great successes, - Latha Bhaskar • Field trips for students of especially often government Wetland Study Centres machinery fails to perform. Water bodies mirrors the hygiene habits of community living around Photo: Priyadarsanan

Photo: Deepak Introducing “Jaladarpanam”, we could mobilize 14 Caretaker teams around the lake, to join the mission to protect the Vembanad Lake. The caretak- ers include members from farmer and fishermen co-

Page 5 Vembanad

Bridging Knowledge Gaps

Environmental and socio- effectively applied to address will contain a reference library, economical data about Vemba- environmental questions. a web site and a geographical nad Lake are collected by sev- Those seeking data on Vemba- information system accessible eral organizations and individu- nad are often faced with a con- to the public.

als for various purposes. Much fusing array of bureaucratic Photo: Kiran of this data is collected as part procedures and proprietor- As part of the system, a refer- of scientific research, donor- ships, which often prevents ence library is already been funded projects, monitoring civil society institutions and established at the ATREE – activities and environmental others from designing appro- CERC. The library have a good Fodder collection from the impact assessments. However, priate interventions, taking collection of research papers, many potential users within informed decisions or adopting study reports, and other refer- banks of the wetlands and outside the stakeholder the best practices. ATREE is ence material about the Vem- domain either do not know developing an integrated envi- banad Socio-ecological system. that this data exists or do not ronmental information system The work on the web based know how to use it. Currently, for Vembanad lake which will and geographical information integrated data and information address the requirements of systems are in progress. systems in the region are so conservation planning, educa- underdeveloped, that the avail- tion and activism of the region. - Kiran M.C. able information cannot be The initial phase of this system

Opposite Directions ?

Recent boom of wetland tourism bring profits to those associated with it, but the resultant ecological degradation affects several Photo: Kiran traditional stakeholders Kerala Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Mullakkara Ratnakaran appreciate lantana products at Farmfest—2008

Wetland News Lantana: a menace to sobriety ? Draft of Kerala State Land ism industry should be evenly The negative effects of invasive species on biodiversity and well Policy is released by Govern- distributed among all sections of being of human societies are well known. Of all the invasive ment of Kerala to strengthen the the society rather than just a plants, Lantana camara may be the most pervasive. In an innova- land reforms, protect Govern- handful of capitalists, opined the tive approach to manage this menace, ATREE encourages local ment and farm land and prevent Tourism Minister of Kerala, Shri. communities for effectively using Lantanta for making furniture land misuse and ‘theft’. Releasing Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. A new and other assorted articles. In Tiger Reserve (PTR), the draft, Revenue Minister K P people friendly tourism policy is Kerala, ATREE joins hands with Kerala Forest Department and Outreach Rajendran said the Government on the anvil aimed at removing Periyar Foundation to provide training for marginalized com- plans to bring in stringent laws to the monopoly of big players in munities in the peripheries of the Reserve in making furniture prevent illegal purchase and pos- the field. The functioning of the and other assorted articles out of Lantana. This supplements session of land in the state. A Tourism Department will be their livelihoods and help PTR in control- wetland information system and optimized to bring betterment in ling this growing menace. ATREE is one of a wetland management system the lives of traditional workers. the pioneers in this field and helping local are planned as part of the policy More emphasis would be laid on people in Natham () and MM to ensure the judicious use of the conservation of nature. hills (Karnataka). These eco-friendly prod- water resources, rivers, backwa- ucts could capture the markets and also Kerala State Water Policy- ters and other wetlands. These help to reduce the pressure on existing 2007 draft published for wetlands will be declared as bamboo and rattan stocks. The activity at comments by Government of protected zones through neces- PTR was initiated with a small grant re- Kerala. The document is available sary laws. Land-filling and con- ceived by Mr. Bipin Charles, a former at the website http://www.kerala. version of these areas for other employee of ATREE, from Earth Watch uses will be restricted. gov.in/waterpolicy/index.php and Institute as part of HSBC's Corporate Photo: Jojo the public can express their Social Responsibility programme which People Friendly Tourism opinions through the site. At Farm Fest—2008, was matched by ATREE. Policy: The benefits of the tour- Changanasserry, Kerala

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Latha Bhaskar and Priyadarsanan Photographs: Deepak

World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2nd every year to com- The program started in the memorate the signing of the U.N. Convention on Wetlands, known morning with an inaugural cere- as Ramsar Convention. This is an occasion to join together to ac- mony. Dr. Latha Bhaskar knowledge the benefits that we receive from wetlands, and to help (ATREE-CERC) briefed about raise the awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems in the aim of this Festival and wel- sustaining the life on the earth. The theme suggested for this year’s comed the gathering. Mr. P.P wetland day was “Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People” that will Chitharanjan, the Chairman of also be the theme for Ramsar's 10th meeting of the Conference of Alappuzha Municipality inaugu- the Parties. rated the program. He appreci- ated ATREE for organizing such ATREE has celebrated this year’s wetlands day as ‘Wetland Festival- an event and assured the sup- 2008’ in Alappuzha, Kerala in collaboration with Kerala State Landuse port of Alappuzha municipality Inauguration of Wetland Festival –2 008 Board and World Wide Fund for Nature- in such efforts. Fr. Thomas India (Kerala State Office). The program Peelianickal, (Director of Kut- was targeted for students and other stake- tanad Vikasana Samithy) gave holders of the wetlands of Kerala. It pro- the wetlands day message. Mr. vided an opportunity for the students of R. Sanal Kumar, (Deputy Direc- Wetland Study Centers (WSC), partners tor, Kerala State Land Use of Jaladarpanam (Participatory water qual- Board) delivered the keynote ity monitoring program) and other stake- address. A wetland poster se- holders to express their views, thoughts ries was released during the and creativity and highlight their concerns function by noted fisheries sci- in wetland conservation. This occasion entist Dr. K. G. Padmakumar, provided a platform for Government (RARC, ) handing agencies, NGO’s and other interested over to Sr. Sophyamma Tho- groups to come closer and work together mas, Head Mistress of St. Jo- for wetland conservation. seph’s school. Felicitations were A mini symposium on wetland conservation This celebration, which was first of its given by Mr. Renjan Mathew was organized as part of the Wetlands Fes- kind in India, was well accepted by the Varghese, State Director, WWF tival. Dr. K. G. Padmakumar gave the key- participants. Around 600 participants at- – India, Kerala State Office and note address on “Wetland biodiversity” tended the festival held at St. Josephs Sr. Sophyamma Thomas, Head session. The next session was on “People GHS, Alappuzha on the 2nd of February Mistress, St. Joseph’s GHS. The and wetlands” and the leading Environ- 2008. The participants included students, inaugural ceremony came to a Symposiums mentalist and Vanamithra award winner Mr. teachers, media, general public, members close at 11 a.m. with the vote of K.V. Dayal gave the keynote address. of self help groups and local NGO’s. thanks by Mr. D. Deepak.

Puppet Show on Wetland Conservation A puppet show with wetland conservation as the theme was an attraction of the Wetland Festival. Conceived, created and per- formed by members of Wetland study Center, Govt. TTI Alap- puzha, the story centered on the environmental deterioration of the Vembanad socio-ecological system. The 15 minutes show was successful in highlighting the deterioration of the lake and affected livelihoods. Puppet show as a strong and interesting media inspire us to organize further workshops on puppet making/show for the students to propagate conservation message. The puppet show concluded stating that there are chances of hope as long as we have dedicated organizations like ATREE.

Wetland Festival—2008 Supplement

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Activity filled wetland festival Wetlands: a gourmet’s delight A wetland feast was arranged at the venue Several activities were organized newsletter titled Vembanad was of Wetland Festival by the Kudumbashree SHG teams, with for students and stakeholder released in this venue by Ms. the support of ATREE—CERC. The food stall had mouth groups who participated in the Anitha Sharma, handing over a watering delicacies from the wetlands such as duck roast, wetlands festival, which included, copy to naturalist Mr. Manu. karimeen (fish) molee, fried prawns and clam meet fry along competitions for the students, with palappam, tapioca and rice. The stall clearly gave an exhibitions “ask the expert The concluding session was impression on the variety of food products wetlands pro- desks”, and water quality monitor- chaired by Mrs. Mariamma Kurien vide. There was good demand for the low subsidized food ing demonstration kits. Kudumbas- popularly known as the “Kandal arranged and the stock went out soon. ree Self Help Groups displayed Amma” who loves and protects wetland products like fish pickles, the mangroves in her area. She various types of rice and rice shared her concerns about nature Festival Scenes products, jam/squash, etc. which conservation issues with the audi- were also sold at the venue. The ence and distributed prizes to the activities for the students included winners of various competitions. quiz competition, frog call contest, Dr. Priyadarsan Dharma Rajan, painting, poster competitions, and Dr. Sidhartha Krishnan, water games etc. (ATREE, Bangalore) were also present at the venue interacting The afternoon session started with the participants, inspiring the Posters by students with a “wetland conservation conduct of the program through- pledge” prepared by the students out. Mr. Jojo.T.D extended vote of NSS High School, . All of thanks. participants pledged to safeguard and conserve the wetlands, to the level best possible, through out their life. Two student poets re- cited their creations on Vemba- nad, was too touchy. A magic Magic Show on ‘Water and Wetlands’ show with the theme ‘Water and Wetland” by the Magician Manu Mancompu was another attraction of the festival. Children enjoyed this very well applauding every item. The first issue of the CERC Winners of a competition Products of Self Help Groups The Mangrove Mother — nurturing mangroves for 45 years Tears were rolling down her cheeks, when near Kumarakom. Now one has to visit her Otherwise an ordinary Kandal Amma spoke about the once pristine land to see the remaining patches of man- house wife, she collects Vembanad, to hundreds of children assem- groves in this region. She was inspired by her and distribute seeds bled during the Wetland Festival organized poor father who had started planting man- during the fruit bearing by ATREE. groves, instead of putting stone walls like periods. She has been others do, to save their small piece of land recognized and awarded Mrs. Mariamma Kurian, popularly known as and house from being eroded. by various forums for ‘Kandal Amma’ (The Mangrove Mother) with her role in popularizing due respect for her efforts to popularize It is perhaps the Indian Ocean tsunami that mangroves. The most kandal or mangroves, have been planting and implanted the importance of mangroves in memorable occasion was nurturing mangroves in her land bordering the mind of people and policy makers. By when Kallen Pokkudan, Vembanad for the past 45 years. To those her own words “there was a huge rush of whose name synony- who had been to her house, gets a feeling researchers, Government officials, media, mous with mangrove conservation in India that she had cared mangroves more than her and school children to see and learn the called on her. 11 children. In the past, she used to collect importance of mangroves from her. seeds from the dense mangrove patches - Deepak Wetland Festival—2008 Supplement

Vembanad Community Environmental Resource Centre (CERC) with a Mission Next Issue • Assess the institutional, policy and information gaps which adversely affect the conserva- Contributions from students of • Assesstion and the sustainable institutional, use ofpolicy the Vembanadand information wetlands. gaps which adversely affect the conserva- Wetland Study Centres will shape tion and sustainable use of the Vembanad wetlands. the next issue of Vembanad . This • Increase environmental awareness among various stakeholders and enhance their capacity special issue in vernacular Malaya- • Increaseto address environmental conservation awarenessissues pertaining among to various wetlands. stakeholders and enhance their capacity lam will be edited by children • Enableto address the conservationlocal communities issues to pertaining participate to inwetlands. the design and implementation of the man- • Enableagement the plan. local communities to participate in the design and implementation of the man- Visit us @ • Facilitateagement plan.discussions on long-term, effective and inclusive institutional mechanisms involv- • Facilitateing Government discussions agencies, on long-term, academia, effective NGOs andand inclusive local community institutional groups mechanisms with clear involv- cut Alappuzha Office ingroles Government and responsibilities agencies, academia, NGOs and local community groups Community Environmental Resource Centre (CERC), We acknowledge Mrs. Kumari Shibulal (Sarojini & Damodaran Trust, Bangalore ) Acknowledgement for the generous support extending to ATREE’s Wetland Conservation Program. ATREE, Amman Kovil Street, Mullakkal, Alappuzha, Kerala Phone: 91-477-2251818 Email: [email protected] Web: www.vembanad.org Bangalore Office Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, # 659, 5 A Main, Hebbal, Bangalore—560 024 Phone: 91-80-23530069 Vembanad Wetlands has been recognized as a Ramsar site based on its rich biological Email: [email protected] Photo: Priyadarsanan diversity and immense importance to the livelihoods of a huge rural population Web: www.atree.org Notes from the policy desk: Project Team Policies Pertinent to the Vembanad Wetlands: Principal Investigators Dr. Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan No legislation of land and forest special emphasis on Vembanad Policy, 2008, The ‘Measures to Dr. Siddhartha Krishnan in India legally defines wetlands Lake. We also try to facilitate Mitigate Agrarian Distress in M.C. Kiran and there are no special enact- discussions on long-term, effec- Alappuzha and Wet- Project Co-coordinator ments for their conservation. tive and inclusive institutional land Ecosystem’ report by the Dr. Latha Bhaskar Wetland protection depends mechanisms for the sustainable M.S. Swaminathan Commission, Program Officers: upon the legal status of spaces or management of the lake. and Kerala State tourism poli- T. D. Jojo, Deepak Dayanandan localities they are part of. In the cies. These are being analysed S. Rajimol 7th and 11th Schedules of the Some policies and policy in tandem with socio- Consultants Constitution water is treated as recommendations with ecological realities pertaining Anitha Sharma, E. Lakshmi a spatial or navigational ‘matter’ implications for Vemba- to Vembanad. Configuration nad are currently in the Research Associate: Shali Ajit in Union, State and Concurrent of Panchayath space for anvil. These are the Research Assistant: Murukesh lists. The policy team of Vemba- conservation and monitor- nad conservation program seeks Coastal Zone ing will remain at the crux Office Assistant: Sunitha to address the institutional, pol- Management of policy engagements icy and information gaps which Notification along with inter-sectoral are adversely affecting the con- (CZM),2007, linkages and coordination.

Ashoka Trust for Research in servation and livelihood issues of The Draft Kerala Ecology and the Environment the Indian wetlands in general State Land - Siddhartha Krishnan and A news letter published by Community Envi- Priyadarsanan ronmental Resource Centre, ATREE, Amman with a Kovil Street, Mullakkal, Alappuzha Editorial Team: Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan, Latha Bhaskar, Siddhartha Krishnan, M. C. Kiran Layout: M. C. Kiran Ottali— a traditional fishing gear Photo: Deepak