Jubilee Post News & Views
Lucknow.Uttar Pradesh, September 14, 2024 – The Wetlands Regional Media Consultation Program commenced with an inspiring series of discussions, expert insights, and media interactions aimed at enhancing awareness and action around wetlands conservation in Uttar Pradesh.
The day began with a warm welcome and introductory remarks by Dr. Vasanti Rao, Director General of CMS. She highlighted the critical need for media to play a proactive role in conveying the ecological importance of wetlands to the public. “Wetlands are nature’s kidneys, essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring water security. Media has the power to influence the narrative and spur collective action,” she noted during her opening address.
Following the formal inauguration, Shri Sanjay Srivastava, PCCF, Wildlife, Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the pressing challenges faced by wetlands in the region. He remarked, “Wetlands are not just ecological treasures; they are essential for our cultural heritage and sustainable development. Protecting them is a shared responsibility that requires collaborative efforts from all sectors of society.”
Shri Ashish Tiwari, Secretary of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the state’s commitment to wetlands protection and the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement. “The future of Uttar Pradesh’s environment depends on a balanced approach towards development and conservation. Wetlands hold the key to climate resilience, and together with the media, we can bridge the gap between policy and public awareness,” he said, setting the tone for the day’s sessions.
The program moved forward with an insightful presentation on the significance of wetlands by Dr. Pranab J. Patar, Technical Expert at CMS, followed by a detailed discussion on river wetland co-management by Mr. Arjit Mishra from WWF. Later, Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director of Wetlands International South Asia, and Mr. Utkarsh Lal, Advisor at GIZ, provided insights into Ramsar sites & wetland-related policies. Dr. Kumar recognised Uttar Pradesh’s remarkable efforts in wetland restoration, particularly facilitation by the forest department for the inclusion of wetlands in land records by the state’s revenue department.
A key highlight was the Media Round Table moderated by Dr. Vasanti Rao, where journalists, environmentalists, and academics exchanged ideas on bridging the gap between media and civil society on wetland-related issues. Contributions from notable speakers such as Shri Sudhir Misra, Resident Editor at Navbharat Times, and Prof. Venkatesh Dutta from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, and Dr. Nivedita Mani from the Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group (GEAG) provided valuable perspectives on strengthening media coverage of wetlands conservation.
The first day concluded with participants sharing their experiences and pitching story ideas related to wetland issues, setting the stage for more in-depth coverage of these critical ecosystems. The second day of the Wetlands Regional Media Consultation is a field visit to Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, a Ramsar site, providing participants with first-hand experience of wetland ecosystems.
Organised by the CMS, this program is part of the ‘Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection’ project. The project is implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), along with the International Climate Initiative (IKI), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
