Report Seminar on Biodiversity-wetland-climate change · Seminar on “Biodiversity, Wetlands and...

SEMINAR ON BIODIVERSITY, WETLANDS & CLIMATE CHANGE

September 6-8, 2010 At The International Center, Goa

Organized By: Indian Environmental Society

GLOBE Regional Office for Asia-Pacific

Supported By: Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India

Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India

Seminar on “Biodiversity, Wetlands and Climate Change: A Report

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SEMINAR ON BIODIVERSITY, WETLANDS & CLIMATE CHANGE

September 6-8, 2010

At The International Center, Goa

REPORT

SUMMARY A seminar on Biodiversity, Wetlands and Climate Change organized by IES from 6-8th of September, 2010 was held at Goa. The seminar invited papers on the mentioned theme from interested participants of various organizations belonging to any part of the country. The seminar also included school presentations from Delhi, Goa and Thailand. There was an active participation, particularly from local academicians and students of Goa. The three day Seminar included paper presentations, discussions, suggestions & recommendations followed by field visits. The participants, post presentations were taken to site seeing on second and third day of the seminar. Cultural exchange program was also conducted which led to healthy competitions among the participants and inter-mingling of Thai counterparts. Don Bosco, Goa amused the participants with their performances through out the seminar. The seminar was an attempt to bring out the significance of wetlands, biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change. INTRODUCTION Indian Environmental Society organized the seminar on Biodiversity, Wetlands & Climate Change with the sole objective of spreading awareness and motivating people especially youth to help save our environment. The seminar highlighted the significance of these issues whose relevance in today’s world is highly substantial. The link between climate change and biodiversity has long been established. Although


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throughout Earth’s history the climate has always changed with ecosystems and species coming and going. Rapid climate change affects ecosystems and species ability to adapt and so biodiversity loss increases. Climate change is projected to affect all aspects of biodiversity. Changes in biodiversity at ecosystem and landscape scale, in response to climate change and other pressures would further affect global and regional climate. From a human perspective, the rapid climate change and accelerating biodiversity loss risks human security. It can bring about a major change in the food chain upon which we depend, water sources may change, recede or disappear, medicines and other resources we rely on may be harder to obtain as the plants and forna they are derived from may reduce or disappear. There is a dire need to conserve our rare species and water bodies which are already on the path of destruction. The impact of climate change needs to be tackled effectively and conducting such seminars could be a small step towards attaining this goal. ISSUES COVERED The seminar focused on three broad categories related to environment namely:-

• BIODIVERSITY • WETLANDS • CLIMATE CHANGE

These three issues are considered to be most crucial for sustenance of life on earth. As 2010 is being celebrated as the International Year of Biodiversity, it is our responsibility to reduce the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level. Biodiversity loses has serious economic and social costs for any country. The poor countries will be worst affected as the interdependence between men and environment in these societies is very significant and any imbalance in the ecosystem may shook the very survival of these people. The international community has recognized biodiversity’s important role in supporting human life, which led to the 1992 founding of the Convention on Biological Diversity, a legally binding global treaty. There is much hue and cry related to the issue of climate change which is a global phenomenon. What concerns us is the rapid rate of change climate is undergoing. Certain weather related phenomena such as temperature, precipitation, sea-level rise, occurrence of droughts and floods, tropical storms have definitely undergone a change. Humans to a large extent can be held responsible for these alterations which are a consequence of unprecedented emissions and


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concentration of greenhouse gases and aerosols in the atmosphere. Projections for the future related to climate change are very risky and dangerous and hence adaptation and mitigation efforts should be put into place from this very moment. In spite of so many Conventions on climate change, very little has been achieved of the set goals. It is very important to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Emphasis should be put on energy conservation, use of renewable source of energy, abatement of air pollution, afforestation and wasteland development. Wetlands are amongst the world’s most productive ecosystems and provide a wide array of benefits. The knowledge of importance of wetlands among the masses seem to be less. Areas which remain waterlogged or submerged under water, seasonally or throughout the year are termed as wetlands. They are among the world’s most productive environments. There has been a drastic reduction in the number of wetlands found on the surface of earth. According to estimates, global freshwater consumption raised six fold between 1900 and 1995 – more than double the rate of population growth. One third of the world’s population today lives in countries already experiencing moderate to high water stress. By 2025, two out of every three people on Earth may well face life in water stressed conditions. Apart from Ramsar Convention, there has been no such effort to preserve wetlands till date. There is a list of Wetlands of International Importance, commonly known as Ramsar sites which have to be maintained by the countries concerned. Thirty four such sites have been identified in India. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEMINAR DAY 1: SEPTEMBER 6, 2010 The three-day Seminar started with the registration. After the registration, the session began with inaugural addressed by Dr. Desh Bandhu and Dr. R. K. Garg. The inaugural address included the relevance of issues related to environment and their increasing threats. In an era of rapid industrialization and


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urbanization men has conveniently ignored the element of environment. Climate is most affected by human interference. Both the dignitaries brought forward the significance of holding such Seminars as they fulfill the primary aim of sensitizing individuals and encouraging their participation.

It was followed by an introductory session of the participants. Extending a warm welcome to the participants especially the Thai delegates, Dr. Desh Bandhu thanked them for sparing their valuable time and commitment to strengthen such vital issues of environmental concerns.

DAY 2: SEPTEMBER 7, 2010

This day was dedicated to Paper Presentations by the participants. The day however commenced by Dr. Desh Bandhu’s presentation on GLOBE Program. He briefed the participants about the Program focusing on Protocols namely:-

(1) Atmosphere (2) Hydrology (3) Land cover (4) Soil

He discussed the activities and field investigations done on the above mentioned protocols by students of various schools. Teachers are especially trained for this by IES trainers and training is imparted via Workshops held on a monthly basis. He also talked about our past experiences of working with teachers and students during these workshops. It’s a learning experience for both students as well as their teachers as by conducting such experiments they get a practical view of atmosphere and its components. GLOBE program functions on an international scale with our partners from Thailand who gave us the opportunity to visit their country in order to conduct GLOBE Workshops. Students from Thailand discussed their investigations of GLOBE protocols and shared their experiences. Dr. Desh Bandhu also talked about the benefits of such programs on a global scale and concluded his presentation by mentioning about the achievements of GLOBE program so far.


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Following the presentation on GLOBE program by Dr. Desh Bandhu, Regional Director, GLOBE Regional office for Asia-Pacific, Dr. R. K. Garg, Vice President, Indian Environmental Society presented a presentation entitled as, “Climate Change and Wetland degradation: Threaten to Biodiversity.” Highlights of his presentation were:- • He brought forward the link between Wetland, Biodiversity and

Climate Change focusing on the importance of each attribute. • Each variable was dealt individually indicating the major

causes, importance, impacts, threats and relations between them.

• Threats each one of the variable is facing today have been comprehensively dealt. Causes and consequences of human interference in nature were also discussed in the presentation.

• A set of suggestions related to conserving Biodiversity and Wetlands was also given by Dr. Garg.

The presentation was very resourceful and inspiring especially for the students present in the Seminar. This presentation was followed by the presentation from the participants. 1. Title of the paper: Dual Impact of Climate Change: Intensifying vulnerability

Presented By: Achala Gupta, TISS, Mumbai Abstract Ms. Achala through her paper highlighted the vulnerability aspect as an impact of Climate Change. She viewed certain ecosystems to be at a higher risk than the others. Various occupational groups who live in high risk habitats or geographical regions, and groups whose livelihoods are dependent upon the natural resources that are at higher risk thus face a greater threat from climate change. The vulnerable section contributes least to the phenomenon of


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climate change but is most affected by the adverse effect of it. They live in the most deplorable conditions without basic amenities. The paper included the phases of climate change since ice age and human’s growing interaction with nature and its negative impact on climate change. It was an attempt to understand the nexus between poverty and vulnerability that would severely impact the remedial measures taken by any country with significant level of poverty. This paper tried to understand the prominent and generalizable identity of these people who are living in the slums in Mumbai, and how their identity is related to their condition as the vulnerable section of the society at first place and then the relationship between the proportions of the vulnerability under the consequences of climate change. The paper also suggested a Community based model for controlling climate change. 2. Title of the paper: Marine Biodiversity Conservation and Management in India.

Presented By: P. Nammalwar, GAIA International Organization (NGO), Chennai, Tamilnadu. Abstract The coastal marine ecosystems play a vital role in India’s economy by virtue of their natural resources, potential habitats and wide biodiversity. India has a long coastline of 8129 kms with Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.5 million sq.km which is an important area both for exploration and exploitation of natural resources. Marine biodiversity affords enormous economical, environmental and aesthetic value to human kind. Humans have long depended on marine aquatic resources for food, medicine and materials as well as for recreational and commercial purposes such as fishing and tourism. Marine organisms also rely upon the great biodiversity of habitats and resources for food, materials breeding and larval disposal environment. This interdependence is essential and maintaining a balance between them is cardinal. But the marine ecosystems are deteriorating at an alarming rate. The factors responsible for it are over exploitation of species, introduction of exotic species, pollution from urban, industrial, and agricultural areas as well as habitat loss and alteration of water diversion, excessive use of water resources etc. As a result, valuable marine aquatic resources are becoming increasingly susceptible to both natural and manmade environmental changes. The paper presented dealt with the strategies to protect and conserve marine biodiversity which are necessary to maintain the balance of nature and support the availability of natural resources for future generations in India.


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3. Title of the paper: Climate Change and its Impact Presented By: Pooja Hirde, Abhinita Das, Rishi Shrivastava & Chandrapal Singh Kanoj

Abstract The paper highlighted the causes and impacts of Climate Change. Through their presentation, speakers tried to bring into picture the main sufferers of climate change i.e. the ‘poor people’. Certain areas which will be worst affected by climate change in India were also enlisted in the paper such as the coastal states of Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat face a grave risk from sea level rise, which could flood land. Gender analysis has been done focusing the vulnerability aspect of climate change, centered on women who unfortunately will have to face the brunt of change. Women’s limited access to resources and decision-making processes increases their vulnerability to climate change.

The paper also talks about the risks biodiversity has been facing as a consequence of climate change. The role of WWF, UNEP, UNFCC and other such international organizations were being discussed in the paper. The authors also highlighted the legal framework and obligations put forth by Environmental laws of Indian constitution. Speakers also distributed pamphlets and posters made by them depicting climate change, an attempt well taken and appreciated by those present in the Seminar. 4. Title of the paper: Bio-Diversity Vis a Vis Sustainable- a Human Right Perspective

Presented By: Sindhuja R Abstract The adverse impact of Climate change is almost felt everywhere and bio diversity is not an exception to it. The biological resources found both in the land and water are the threat of Climate change and needs immediate measures to mitigate the same. Without preserving and sustainable use of the biological resources, it is highly impossible for us to meet the food requirements of the future generations. This paper dealt with analyzing the impact of Climate change on Bio-Diversity and as a call for sustainable livelihood in the light of human right perspective.


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DAY 3: SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 Student’s Campaign on Climate Change On the third day of Seminar, students from Thailand, Don Bosco and Ahlcon International School presented their respective papers. The presentations centered on GLOBE programs undertaken by each of this school in their respective places. Students briefed the audience by presenting their experiments, observations, analysis and results related to the protocols of GLOBE program. Very interesting facts were disclosed related particularly to the vegetation cover and water quality. 1. Presentation by Ahlcon International School, Delhi, India The paper presented by Ahlcon students was quite resourceful and included a lot of information on Vegetation, Forest type, Precipitation and Soil cover of India. The paper highlighted the city of Delhi in terms of greenery with Delhi being one of the greenest capitals of the world. Students briefed the audience about their school’s statistics in terms of trees species and spatial expansion. The school is also engaged in a lot of environment related activities and is an active member of GLOBE program. Attempts have been made in the field of Waste management and Harvesting by initializing certain environment friendly instruments such as ROLLY POLLY COMPOST PIT for Biodegradable waste, Recycling paper and Solar panels and heaters for harvesting rain water. Chart depicting daily atmospheric investigation was also displayed in the presentation. Ahlcon students under the GLOBE program had conducted a field survey around Sanjay Lake. Sanjay Lake is an artificial


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lake which is depended on sewer and rainwater and is developed by DDA in 1970. This rainwater lake is to be re-developed before the 2010 Commonwealth Games but the negligence of the concerned authorities who are in charge of the lake has made it a pool full of mud and sewage. Their experiment focused on the water quality and vegetation cover of the area surrounding the lake.

• Hydrological Investigation included the indicators namely; Transparency, Electrical Conductivity, Water temperature and pH.

• Land cover investigation dealt with area under canopy cover, outside canopy, area under grassy lawn, nursery, and woodland.

• Soil Investigation included Soil pH, soil carbonate, soil moisture and soil temperature. The experience gained during the exchange programs organized earlier by the GLOBE Regional Office for Asia-pacific was also shared by students of Ahlcon International School. There was consistency and transparency in the data and the analysis done by the students was near satisfactory. Such efforts by students help giving them the required outlook towards the status of environment. 2. Presentation By The Students Of DON BOSCO PUBLIC SCHOOL, GOA Goa: Rapid Biodiversity Depletion: - Man-Made Reasons The students of Don Bosco gave a synoptic view of GOA emphasizing on rich biodiversity both plant and animal kingdom. The paper focused on the richness and variety of life forms of Western Ghats, Goa being a prime part. The beauty of GOA was shown using photographs, graphics and maps.

The paper emphasized on Mining and ill effects of it on biodiversity. Goa has a huge potential of mining especially iron ore. The eastern part of Goa is rich in reserves. Goa exports over 60% of the country’s Iron ore exports. The consequences of open cast mining have been discussed extensively. The degree of exploitation of land in mining is dangerous and should be taken into consideration by policy makers. The impacts of mining are evident in the forms of land degradation, water contamination, air pollution and de-forestation. Hills of Goa have been ripped off


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their vegetation cover as a consequence of mining. Presentations by GLOBE School Students From Thailand There were three presentations from three different schools of Thailand. All three presentations were centered on Investigations under the GLOBE program. Students from Thailand had done extensive field investigations and the observations put forth by them were complimentary. With the help of photographs and graphics (audio-video visuals) students highlighted the change in canopy cover under extreme conditions vis-à-vis normal conditions. The schools had conducted field surveys in the area surrounding their academic institution. The focus of investigation was on the standardized protocols of GLOBE namely:-

• Atmosphere • Hydrology • Soil Profile • Vegetation

A comparative analysis was done of the results attained via Field investigations with that of GLOBE charts. Various shades of colors of GLOBE charts depicting the degree of vegetation in terms of density, water in terms of quality and soil in terms of its nature being acidic or alkaline were compared with the field observations. Atmospheric protocols included cloud cover chart indicating the types of clouds distributed in the sky. The presentations were inclusive of extensive field research which included observations, data handling, data analysis and conclusions based on the study.

CONCLUDING REMARKS Dr. Garg while concluding said that the issues discussed at the Seminar were of global concern and do not deserve to be neglected. He emphasized on people’s participation towards attaining a common goal of conserving the environment. Biodiversity and wetlands form two pillars of our environment and any disturbance caused leads to harmful outcomes. Climate change which is a by product of this disturbance hence needs to be tackled effectively. He on the behalf of IES thanked all the participants for their active participation and interests concerning such a vital issue.


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At the end of the seminar, ideas were exchanged by the participants and each one expressed their views and concerns of climate change and suggested certain guidelines to be followed in general.


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RECOMMENDATIONS OF GOA SEMINAR

1. Awareness should be generated about the harmful consequences of human pressure

on different Ecosystems such as lakes, Sanctuaries, hill areas etc.

2. Improve people’s participation for wetland and biodiversity conservation.

3. Engage youths in action as they are the future of our country.

4. Decision makers should be provided orientation training on the topics like wetland, biodiversity and climate change

5. A quarterly newsletter on the issue of biodiversity wetland and climate change should be published and distributed widely among various stake holders

6. Training centers on biodiversity, wetland and climate conservation should be set up at regional and national level

7. School/Student Scientist’s Association/ congress should be formed and trained on research activities on climate, wetland and biodiversity

8. Regional, national and international cooperation should be promoted for the exchange of information on the issues related to biodiversity, wetland and climate change

9. Problem solving and action oriented case studies on biodiversity, wetland and climate change should be taken up and instructional materials on this should be prepared

10. The members of the association/ congress should be engaged in research activities in their locality and share the outcomes.

11. Conducting seminars on a more regular basis as they act as a motivator in encouraging the local population.

12. A network of scientists/ Environmentalist should be formed and strengthened


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• Increase awareness level of people regarding the issues. • Improve people’s participation for wetland and biodiversity conservation. • Engage youths in action as they are the future of our country. • School/Student Scientist’s Association/ congress should be formed and trained on research

activities on climate, wetland and biodiversity • The members of the association/ congress should be engaged in research activities in their

locality and share the outcomes.

• Conduct of Seminars of this sort on a more regular basis as they act as a motivator in encouraging the local population.

• A network of scientists/ Environmentalists should be formed.

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