Vembanad Vol 1.1 - Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the ...

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the EnvironmentJanuary to March, 2008Ashoka Trust for Research inEcology and the EnvironmentVolume 1 Issue 1ForwardElixir of Life !!Photo: DeepakVembanad—Kol wetland isthe largest Ramsar site inIndia. Photo: PriyadarsananEvery living creatureneeds clean and safedrinking water. One ofthe major challenges ofhumanity today is tobalance increasing demandsfor fresh waterand integrity of freshwaterbiodiversity andaquatic environment.More than 1/3 rd ofthe humanity today isliving without adequatefresh water and forecastsstate that twothirds of the Worldpopulation will bewithout safe drinkingwater by the year2025.The wetlands andrivers, store morethan 90% of theliquid fresh wateron earth surface,are important forhuman developmentdue to theimportant ecosystemand livelihoodsupports they provide.The environmental conditionsof most lakes arein a steady decline dueto severe anthropogenicpressures and deserveimmediate conservationattention to overcomethe imminent water crisis.Coastal backwaters andinland water bodies areeconomically efficientsystems, now fast decliningdue to lack of care,improper management,over exploitation andlack of awareness. Oneof the hopes of wetlandconservation lies in the‘active involvement ofthe dependent communities’in the managementof natural resources.This can be strengthenedby Institutionalizing communityrights over protectionand harvest ofthe natural resources.Vembanad Lake (Kerala)- the largest tropicalwetland ecosystem onthe southwest coast ofIndia is only next to theArabian Sea in terms ofsupporting maximumlivelihood activities.Apart from this, VembanadLake has immenseconservation importanceas a designated Ramsarsite. Since livelihoodactivities of a large numberof people are directlydependent on theLake, the deteriorationof extent and quality ofthe lake leads to in-creased conflicts. ATREEis trying to address someof the conservation issuesfaced by VembanadLake by bringing togetherlocal communitiesand institutions tostrengthen wetland management.Through itsCommunity EnvironmentalResource Centre(CERC), established atAlappuzha, ATREE aimsto build multi-sectoraland multi- stakeholderpartnerships at the locallevel to influence decisionmaking, increasecoordination betweenstakeholders andstrengthen their capacityto address the variousissues related to thesustainable managementof Vembanad Wetlands.If Kerala is ‘God’s owncountry’ as it is popularlyknown, Vembanad Lakeis the ‘signature of Almighty’leasing out hisland to humanity.ATREE’s VemabanadTeam is happy to presentthis News Letter‘Vembanad’, reflectingthe charm (and agonies)of this magnificent lakewith a special focus onits conservation issues.- Priyadarsanan“Oh! Water stream, comenear to me. You are theelixir of immortality”Atharva Veda, 3:13:6Wetland FestivalATREE, along with KeralaState Land Use Board andWWF—India has organized‘Wetland Festival—2008’ atAlappuzha to celebrate the‘World Wetlands Day’ observedon February 2 nd . Theprogram was attended bystudents and stakeholders ofthe wetlands of Kerala. Theday was marked by severalevents to spread the messageof wetland conservation. Readmore about the celebrations inthe Wetland Festival Supplementin page 4 and 5.Inside this issue:What is at Stake ? 2Jalapaadom becomes popularin Vembanad SchoolsRays of Hope 3Jaladarpanam—A ParticipatoryProgram for WaterQuality MonitoringBridging Knowledge Gaps 5Wetland News 5Outreach 5Wetland Festival—2008 6, 7Community EnvironmentalResource Centre with aMissionPolicies Pertinent to theVembanad Wetlands3488

Page 2VembanadWhat is at Stake ?Health of the wetlandsis critical to thesurvival of fishermen“The fertile landsonce called ‘the riceThe functions performed bythe wetlands in biodiversityconservation, flood control,livelihood assistance to thepeople living around, watershed services and services tothe industries around are incredible.Stakeholder awarenessand capacity building initiativesfor managing VembanadSocio- ecological system, is animportant program of CERC.Interactions with various communitiesincluding leaders ofcommunity organizations, Governmentofficials at local level,local self governments, selfhelpgroups, political unionsand other groups revealed thatgraphic Travel Magazine todeclare Kerala as a must seedestination. Even though therecent growth rate of tourismindustry is exponential, and ithas opened up a new arena oflivelihood opportunities, thelack of a vision and organizedplanning is clearly visible.There is a visible shift fromfarming, fishing and other traditionallivelihood sectors totourism, construction andother associated industries. Intandem with other factors,paddy fields are increasinglybeing left fallow even as andwhile the state depends on ricefrom neighboring states.tor will also be analyzed. Approachpapers and action planswill be prepared and shared invarious forums to draw attentionof all concerned policymakers, local leaders, stakeholders,to the critical situation.Citizens’ reports will bedeveloped on the basis of surveysand policy analysis.Panchayath Raj Institutions(PRI) have to play a significantrole in implementing any environmentmanagement plan.Appropriate capacity buildingof PRI leaders in associationwith various training institutesof the Government such asKerala Institute for Local Administration(KILA) is also onbowl of Kerala’is slowly gettingClam collectors areone of the most vulnerablecommunitiesdepending Vembanadits name as a‘waste bowl ofPhoto: DeepakKerala’ .”Agriculture is the mostimportant livelihoodactivity of the regionrespective stakes are uniqueand require an understandingof local conditions and realities.There is conflict of interestamong the primary stakeholdersin Vembanad. Suchinterests emerge to the forefrontby various groups whilestakes are discussed. Incorporationof such stakes and interestsinto the planning and implementationof activities of theprogram is important forachieving the goals of wetlandconservation and management.Vembanad’s picturesque environmentwith intricate networkof canals and backwatersbordered by coconut palms,extensive paddy fields that arebelow mean sea level, largeflocks of birds and the warmhospitality of the peopleprompted the National Geo-Photo: KiranThe fertile region once called‘the rice bowl of Kerala’ isslowly assuming the derogative‘waste bowl of Kerala’. Thelake is a sink for pollutantbrought by the seven riversthat drain into it. Human inducedchanges have also leadto the depletion of fish andresources. More than a hundredvarieties of fishes thatwere present a couple of decadesago have reduced to afigure of 58 as shown by recentstudies.Way ForwardDepartmental support systemsand the roles of Panchayath Rajinstitutions in resolving pertinentissues under local planningprocess are being assessed.The functions of the existingco-operative societies to safeguardthe interest of each secouragenda.ATREE feels duty bound toassist the PRIs in Vembanadwetland region to developenvironmental managementplans as part of their annualdevelopment plans during the11 th plan period. We are exploringthe possibility of combinedworkshops with KILA toorganize vision sharing workshopsin this context.The role of media in highlightingthe major issues will bechanneled suitably. VariousGovernment policies in thepipeline need a closer look forfacilitating remedial interventionto the sector. Such Policybridging initiatives at the Stateand National level will be anothertarget to fulfill.- Latha Bhaskar

Page 3VembanadJalapaadom Becomes Popular in Vembanad SchoolsPreparationsGetting Teachers ReadyJalapaadom (Lessons on water)is a unique environmentaleducation program designedfor the students in the Vembanadregion. The programaims to create awarenessamong the students about theecological functions of thelake ecosystem and about thesocio-cultural and economicsignificance of wetlands. Ultimatelythis is expected tomotivate the young generationto appreciate the valuesof wetlands, so that they becomeadvocates for wetlandconservation. Jalapaadom isimplemented in 40 villageJalapaadom was inaugurated on October 4th, 2007Rays of Hope ….To be in the land of the famedand endemic Vechoor cow wasgood enough. But little did Iexpect the response from thechildren who assembled for thefirst interaction about WetlandStudy Centre at the VechoorDevi Vilasom School, in thetiring pre-lunch hours!! But thebubbling group that assembledsurprised me. The teacher incharge, Mr. Sivankutty’s introductoryspeech reflected thedepth of awareness and knowledgeabout the complex issuesranging from tourism to landbased toxins that are impactingthe integrity of the Lake. Thestudent group numbering 80listened with a lot of attentionwhile Jojo and me explainedthe uniqueness of Vembanadlake, its impact on the “ecologyschools and afew collegesand TeacherTraining InstitutesadjoiningVembanadLake. The project activitiesare carried out through WetlandStudy Centres (WSCs)established in each participatinginstitution.Each Wetland Study Centrehas 60 to 80 active members.Convener and Joint convenerswere selected fromamong the students and twoteachers were selected toand environment” especiallysince it is part of their everyday life. Gokul, the Presidentand Sreelakshmi the Secretaryof the Student Wetland StudyCentre were confident abouttheir roles and responsibilities,though shy in addressing thegathering.The experience in the KudavechoorSt.Michael’s Higher SecondarySchool was different asthe students were mostly fromhigher classes. Students areenthusiastic about the purposeand aim of WSCs and are committedto conserve this lake forfuture generations. The sprawlingcampus of the schooltouches the banks of the lakeand many of the participantscome to school by boat. ThePhoto: Deepakcoordinate the activities ofWSC in each school. Formalinaugurations of the studycenters were organized in allthese schools thereby initiatingthe functioning. Weeklymeetings, invited lectures,documentary screening, noticeboards displays, competitions,field trips, etc. areamong the activities of WSCs.- T. D. JojoPaintings by school childrenteacher in charge Mr. Sibi Josephquickly arranged the studentsin the big hall – a mixedgroup of very obedient girlsand boys who were tensedabout the upcoming SchoolYouth Festival. The responseto the class on ‘ecology andenvironment and the need tohave a research mentality inlife’ was exciting. Data collectionthrough close observationof the surroundings as a researchmethodology was appealingto many of them.The ABVHS School at Muhammastands in the midst of ahuge sandy campus with treesand an old building. Mr. Ajithlalextended all help to assemble agroup of 40 students. His introductoryspeech linked theTeachers are the architects of nextgeneration. Any program aiming atmolding the next generation shouldstart from the teachers. To makethe teachers ready to take up theresponsibilities of leading the WSCs,a workshop was organized at theATREE-CERC on 31.10.2007. 43teachers from the WSCs participatedin the workshop. Ms. Anitha Sharmainaugurated the program and explainedthe education module to theparticipants. Mr. Jojo T.D. introducedthe calendar of events for variouswetland activities during the academicyear.NewsJalapaadom InauguratedMr. K.C Venugopal, MLA of Alappuzhainaugurated the Jalapaadomprogram on 4 th October 2007 at theYMCA Hall in a function chaired byDr. Ravi Chellam, Director ofATREE. Mr. P.P. Chitharanjan, MunicipalChairman of Alappuzha releasedthe official logo of Jalapaadom.All the speakers expressed theirconcern over the issues of Vembanadand appreciated ATREE for its timelyintervention and assured all possiblesupport for its efforts. Mr. K.V Dayal,the well known environmentalistmotivated students to be committedto protect their environment andtake sincere efforts to safeguard theLake from further destruction. Hedistributed the water quality testingkits to WSCs.need for commitment to natureand society. The childrendisplayed very strong interestand were able to list the uniquefeatures about Vembanad Lake.The project that was done lastyear on migratory birds by anoutgoing student also provedthe awareness of the teachershave about local ecology andnature.These are few interactions andresponses from the schools wevisited The silent, yet strongcommitment of the youngminds provides rays of hope.- Anitha Sharma

Page 7VembanadActivity filled wetland festivalSeveral activities were organizedfor students and stakeholdergroups who participated in thewetlands festival, which included,competitions for the students,exhibitions “ask the expertdesks”, and water quality monitoringdemonstration kits. KudumbasreeSelf Help Groups displayedwetland products like fish pickles,various types of rice and riceproducts, jam/squash, etc. whichwere also sold at the venue. Theactivities for the students includedquiz competition, frog call contest,painting, poster competitions,water games etc.The afternoon session startedwith a “wetland conservationpledge” prepared by the studentsof NSS High School, Kavalam. Allparticipants pledged to safeguardand conserve the wetlands, to thelevel best possible, through outtheir life. Two student poets recitedtheir creations on Vembanad,was too touchy. A magicshow with the theme ‘Water andWetland” by the Magician ManuMancompu was another attractionof the festival. Children enjoyedthis very well applauding everyitem. The first issue of the CERCnewsletter titled Vembanad wasreleased in this venue by Ms.Anitha Sharma, handing over acopy to naturalist Mr. Manu.The concluding session waschaired by Mrs. Mariamma Kurienpopularly known as the “KandalAmma” who loves and protectsthe mangroves in her area. Sheshared her concerns about natureconservation issues with the audienceand distributed prizes to thewinners of various competitions.Dr. Priyadarsan Dharma Rajan,and Dr. Sidhartha Krishnan,(ATREE, Bangalore) were alsopresent at the venue interactingwith the participants, inspiring theconduct of the program throughout.Mr. Jojo.T.D extended voteof thanks.Winners of a competitionThe Mangrove Mother — nurturing mangroves for 45 yearsWetlands: a gourmet’s delight A wetland feast wasarranged at the venueof Wetland Festival by the Kudumbashree SHG teams, withthe support of ATREE—CERC. The food stall had mouthwatering delicacies from the wetlands such as duck roast,karimeen (fish) molee, fried prawns and clam meet fry alongwith palappam, tapioca and rice. The stall clearly gave animpression on the variety of food products wetlands provide.There was good demand for the low subsidized foodarranged and the stock went out soon.Festival ScenesMagic Show on ‘Water and Wetlands’Posters by studentsProducts of Self Help GroupsTears were rolling down her cheeks, whenKandal Amma spoke about the once pristineVembanad, to hundreds of children assembledduring the Wetland Festival organizedby ATREE.Mrs. Mariamma Kurian, popularly known as‘Kandal Amma’ (The Mangrove Mother) withdue respect for her efforts to popularizekandal or mangroves, have been planting andnurturing mangroves in her land borderingVembanad for the past 45 years. To thosewho had been to her house, gets a feelingthat she had cared mangroves more than her11 children. In the past, she used to collectseeds from the dense mangrove patchesnear Kumarakom. Now one has to visit herland to see the remaining patches of mangrovesin this region. She was inspired by herpoor father who had started planting mangroves,instead of putting stone walls likeothers do, to save their small piece of landand house from being eroded.It is perhaps the Indian Ocean tsunami thatimplanted the importance of mangroves inthe mind of people and policy makers. Byher own words “there was a huge rush ofresearchers, Government officials, media,and school children to see and learn theimportance of mangroves from her.Wetland Festival—2008 SupplementOtherwise an ordinaryhouse wife, she collectsand distribute seedsduring the fruit bearingperiods. She has beenrecognized and awardedby various forums forher role in popularizingmangroves. The mostmemorable occasion waswhen Kallen Pokkudan,whose name synonymouswith mangrove conservation in Indiacalled on her.- Deepak

VembanadVisit us @Next IssueContributions from students ofWetland Study Centres will shapethe next issue of Vembanad . Thisspecial issue in vernacular Malayalamwill be edited by childrenAlappuzha OfficeCommunity EnvironmentalResource Centre (CERC),ATREE, Amman Kovil Street,Mullakkal, Alappuzha, KeralaPhone: 91-477-2251818Email: vembanad@atree.orgWeb: www.vembanad.orgBangalore OfficeAshoka Trust for Research inEcology and the Environment,# 659, 5 A Main, Hebbal,Bangalore—560 024Phone: 91-80-23530069Email: info@atree.orgWeb: www.atree.orgProject TeamPrincipal InvestigatorsDr. Priyadarsanan Dharma RajanDr. Siddhartha KrishnanM.C. KiranProject Co-coordinatorDr. Latha BhaskarProgram Officers:T. D. Jojo, Deepak DayanandanS. RajimolConsultantsAnitha Sharma, E. LakshmiResearch Associate: Shali AjitResearch Assistant: MurukeshOffice Assistant: SunithaAshoka Trust for Research inEcology and the EnvironmentA news letter published by Community EnvironmentalResource Centre, ATREE, AmmanKovil Street, Mullakkal, AlappuzhaEditorial Team:Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan,Latha Bhaskar, Siddhartha Krishnan,M. C. KiranLayout: M. C. KiranCommunity Environmental Resource Centre (CERC) with a Mission• Assess the institutional, policy and information gaps which adversely affect the conservationAssess and the sustainable institutional, use of policy the Vembanad and information wetlands. gaps which adversely affect the conserva-•• tion Increase and sustainable environmental use of awareness the Vembanad among wetlands. various stakeholders and enhance their capacity• to Increase address environmental conservation awareness issues pertaining among to various wetlands. stakeholders and enhance their capacity• Enable to address the conservation local communities issues to pertaining participate to in wetlands. the design and implementation of the managementEnable the plan. local communities to participate in the design and implementation of the man-•• Facilitate agement plan. discussions on long-term, effective and inclusive institutional mechanisms involvingFacilitate Government discussions agencies, on long-term, academia, effective NGOs and inclusive local community institutional groups mechanisms with clear involv-cut•roles ing Government and responsibilities agencies, academia, NGOs and local community groupsAcknowledgementPhoto: PriyadarsananNotes from the policy desk:Policies Pertinent to the Vembanad Wetlands:No legislation of land and forestin India legally defines wetlandsand there are no special enactmentsfor their conservation.Wetland protection dependsupon the legal status of spaces orlocalities they are part of. In the7 th and 11 th Schedules of theConstitution water is treated asa spatial or navigational ‘matter’in Union, State and Concurrentlists. The policy team of Vembanadconservation program seeksto address the institutional, policyand information gaps whichare adversely affecting the conservationand livelihood issues ofthe Indian wetlands in generalwith aOttali— a traditional fishing gearWe acknowledge Mrs. Kumari Shibulal (Sarojini & Damodaran Trust, Bangalore )for the generous support extending to ATREE’s Wetland Conservation Program.Vembanad Wetlands has been recognized as a Ramsar site based on its rich biologicaldiversity and immense importance to the livelihoods of a huge rural populationspecial emphasis on VembanadLake. We also try to facilitatediscussions on long-term, effectiveand inclusive institutionalmechanisms for the sustainablemanagement of the lake.Some policies and policyrecommendations withimplications for Vembanadare currently in theanvil. These are theCoastal ZoneManagementNotification(CZM),2007,The Draft KeralaState LandPolicy, 2008, The ‘Measures toMitigate Agrarian Distress inAlappuzha and Kuttanad WetlandEcosystem’ report by theM.S. Swaminathan Commission,and Kerala State tourism policies.These are being analysedin tandem with socioecologicalrealities pertainingto Vembanad. Configurationof Panchayath space forconservation and monitoringwill remain at the cruxof policy engagementsalong with inter-sectorallinkages and coordination.- Siddhartha Krishnan andPriyadarsananPhoto: Deepak