From Latha Bhaskar, Community Environmental Resource Center, ATREE, Alleppy
Posted 30 June 2011
I work with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Kerala, on wetland conservation and currently we are focusing on the conservation of the Vembanad wetlands
Vembanad was declared a Ramsar site in 2002. Due to prolonged anthropogenic interventions in the name of development, this wetland is facing progressive deterioration. Protection, conservation and management of the lake and its resources, through coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, are vital for restoring this fragile ecosystem.
Recently, Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh during his visit to the State, announced that Vembanad Lake would be included in the National Wetland Conservation Plan, with 100 per cent assistance from MoEF. He allotted Rs. 10 crore for preliminary works and promised to put up the project for external assistance amounting to $20 million (Rs. 90 crore). The Kerala government has also decided to establish Vembanad Eco-development Authority for the restoration and regeneration of the Vembanad Lake.
ATREE has been working here since 2007, conducting participatory action research programmes and we feel that the biggest issue here is lack of coordination among various government departments and agencies. A management action plan for an integrated water resource management for the wetlands is needed that would consider the views of all stakeholders. I would like to invite the attention of the members of the Community to share their experience and suggestions to contribute for the development of a sustainable action plan for Vembanad Lake. Discussions on following lines are requested:
- What will be the impact of the provisions of the ‘wetland conservation and management rules 2010’ on such action plans? Will it help to tackle the threats of encroachment, pollution and tourism?
- In the case of scheduled wetlands, what is the role and stake of central and state governments?
- How can the process be institutionalized and stakeholder participation maximized?
Your inputs will definitely help to consolidate views on wetland conservation and management issues, in the current context.
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