Earth Hour Goes beyond the hour

PANDA2011

NEWSLETTER

IND

From SG & CEO’s desk

From the Editor's Desk

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Dr. Dipankar Ghose

Mita Nangia Goswami

Dr. Parikshit Gautam

Moulika Arabhi

Editor:

Shaila Sam

Assistant Editor:

Special inputs:

Malika Gupta

Aarti Khosla

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Dear Friends,

The monsoons are once again upon us, bringing succor from the summer heat and also hope for the millions who depend on the rains for agriculture in this part of the world. This is also the time for “Van Mahotsava” the festival of planting saplings that is celebrated with enthusiasm across India. We at WWF India run a campaign to promote tree planting. Our “adopt a tree" programme aims to provide free saplings to those who wish to plant them and care for them. We endeavor to carry out such activities across India through our branch and field offices and many individuals join hands in taking this programme forward. Such efforts which encourage individuals to reconnect with the natural world are seen as an important way forward to inculcate respect and care for Mother Nature, which is so central to our cultural and social ethos.

India participated in Earth Hour again, on March 26, 2011, with unparalleled zest and zeal. With each passing year, we observe a higher level of individual and organizational participation across the country. WWF is proud to have initiated this global awareness movement aimed towards providing a window for people to register their concerns on the issue of climate change that looms ahead of us. I would like to thank all those who participated in the movement and committed to go beyond that one hour by making considered changes in their daily energy consumption patterns.

At WWF, we work towards involving all sections of the society. Campaigns; sensitizing workshops for policy makers, media and civil society groups; capacity building support for enforcement agencies, publications on various cross cutting themes for different interest groups and environment education programs amongst youth and schools and contact through the web including social media sites, are some of the solutions we have initiated to continuously engage with the public.

Today, as our ecological footprint far exceeds the capacity of our planet, the need of the hour is an attitudinal shift in our lifestyle patterns. This is only feasible when society is educated on the consequences of over exploitation of our natural resources. The Energy Report, the Living Planet report- all speak of the urgent need to make such lifestyle changes.

As we continue to reach out to more and more people, we are happy to share small success stories from across the country- stories of hope, enterprise and commitment which are driving change locally and beyond. Though small steps, each of them is crucial to the journey of conserving India's natural heritage. The current issue of Panda documents some of these stories. The story of the young Pardhi boy in Madhya Pradesh; promoting adoption of sustainable clam fishing practices at Ashtamudi lake in Kerala to protect the lake ecosystem; the success of the Green Hiker campaign and regular engagement with small and medium wooden handicraft industries culminating in an increased interest towards responsible wood trade thus conserving the forests, are instances of some of the changes we are proud to have influenced.

The challenges are many but what keeps us going is the goodwill we receive from all our readers and supporters. We continue to work with you steadfast in transforming the way environment is perceived and conserved. Your feedback is important in moulding the future direction of our work, so do keep writing to us. Ravi SinghSG&CEO

Dear Readers,

As you read through this issue of the Panda we hope you will be able to better understand the issues faced by our team. How we meet this head-on with passion and commitment to the cause! Our next issue on “Forests” will throw light on various factors that play a crucial role in conserving our forests. Contributions are welcome from all our readers on this issue. Please mail the same at malika@wwfindia.net. Your stories/articles must reach us by August 30th.

Happy reading

Shaila Sam

SPECIAL FOCUSEarth Hour – Goes beyond the hour 01 19

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STRAIGHT FROM THE FIELDThe tiger saviour: Story of a Pardhi boy

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EVENTSWorld Wetlands Day at Keoladeo

Green Hiker - Encouraging responsible tourism

Tiger Series – A novel message on tiger conservation

STATE CONSERVATION INITIATIVESKarnataka

Kerala

Orissa

Maharashtra

Goa

Madhya Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

PROJECT UPDATES

WWF-National Law University, Delhi

Mainstreaming climate change in Himalayan states

INTERNATIONALEnergy Report: Safe Energy For All By 2050

CONTENTS

offer a course in Urban Management

SAWEN to monitor wildlife trade

Saving the clam clan

GFTN-Switch Asia programme-

building capacity towards responsible wood trade

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Goes beyond the hour Earth Hour SPECIAL FOCUSThis year Earth Hour went beyond the hour with millions switching off non-essential lights for an hour while also committing to more actions for a sustainable lifestyle.

Earth Hour 2011 marks the start of a new phase for this extraordinary peoples' movement. The all new '60+' logo for Earth Hour 2011 represents a commitment to add a positive act for the planet everyday and not just for an hour.

Whether it was the Governments and Corporations who worked closely with their stakeholders to educate them on the merits of the campaign, or the innumerable schools and colleges that promoted and observed Earth Hour, or the individuals who ran a full-fledged campaign in their cities - each of them owned the campaign and ensured its success.

Earth Hour used every possible channel and medium to send the message across the social spectrum and attained a unique distinction of appealing to people across cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and diversities. From the President of India to the seven-year-old boy of a rickshaw puller in Bhopal, everyone switched off and offered the greatest testimony to the reach and the democratic nature of the campaign.

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Earth Hour is a movement that men, women and children across the nation support with equal enthusiasm and commitment© WWF-India

The Rashtrapati Bhawan, the respective official residences of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister all observed Earth Hour as a great show of support and reiteration of India's sincere commitment to the cause of environment conservation.

Eminent landmarks in New Delhi – monuments and malls, well known hotel chains, government buildings, the National Stadium, National Gallery of Modern Art, big shopping areas like Connaught Place – came out strongly to go beyond the hour.

In Mumbai, popular landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Bandra Worli Sea Link, headquarters of several public and private sector organizations like Reserve Bank of India, Air India, ICICI, HSBC dimmed in support.

The city of Bangalore - an Earth Hour stronghold since 2009, yet again showcased its genuine support towards Earth Hour by stepping up participation from the Government, citizens and Corporations. Lights were turned off at Brigade Road, ING Vysya stood out in its support by inaugurating its first solar ATM in an urban space, and over 400 project teams at Infosys pledged their support among at least ten other meaningful initiatives from a single city.

Resident Welfare Associations as big as one thousand households – Hiranandani Gardens- the skyscraper residential towers in Mumbai suburbs managed to get participation from all the buildings in the area, so did Rohini - Delhi's, perhaps the country's biggest residential set-up. On the other hand, towns such as Kakinada had over 2000 people on the main street joining the walk in support of Earth Hour and a small school in Sagar Island in the Sunderbans had its pupils switching off in support.

Over 20 lakh students across India participated in the event in some form or the other - by organizing special Earth Hour assemblies with eco friendly activities, attending lectures by WWF staff or by participating in certain events.

Earth Hour 2011 became the largest voice of citizens across the country to fight climate change.

Contributed by Aarti Khosla

On the night of 26th March, from candle light vigils to musical performances, to even prayers in darkness, hundreds of events and activities were organized across the country as people joined the largest global campaign on climate change.

Globally, Earth Hour 2011 witnessed a record breaking participation of 134 countries. Recognizable landmarks across the world stood in darkness for the hour which include the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye, Big Ben, Empire State Building, Dubai's Burj al Arab Hotel, Grenada's Alhambra, Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, Athens' Acropolis, India Gate, Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the Sydney Opera House.

India's third year of Earth Hour witnessed massive participation across the country - surprising in its penetration across levels of education, occupation and income. Over 120 Indian cities expressed their solidarity for WWF's largest initiative to commit to a better lifestyle and consumption. Mega cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore were epicentres with extensive participation across the cities and their suburbs. So were tier II, III cities and small towns. Reports from Erode, Latur, Panna, Chindwara, Etawah, Umbergaon, Jorhat, Darlaghat, Mandi, Khammam, Akhnoor, Nowshera, Asansol, Kakinada, Betul, to a tribal village in Satpura-Maikal landscape in Madhya Pradesh, were diverse, innovative and inspiring stories of the power of each one of us to make a difference.

The capital city of the country experienced India Gate's ceremonial switch off at 8.30 p.m. in the presence of the Delhi Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit, along with the Earth Hour brand ambassador, well known Bollywood actor, Ms. Vidya Balan. Mr. Jim Leape, Director General, WWF-International chose to spend his Earth Hour in India and witnessed the movement first hand.

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Enthusiastic volunteers participate in the Earth Hour cyclothon© WWF-India

People Speak

Speaking on the occasion, The Chief Minister of Delhi, Ms Sheila Dikshit said, “Delhi has come together again this year and pledged its support for Earth Hour, India. The city plunged into darkness for a brighter tomorrow and we hope that Earth Hour sensitizes each one of us for making the shift to a better lifestyle.”

Brand Ambassador Vidya Balan expressed her solidarity to Earth Hour 2011: “I am both privileged and elated to be part of Earth Hour 2011. It is encouraging to see the support that our citizens have lent to Earth Hour. I participate in Earth Hour and pledge to take action even beyond the hour. Each one of us has the power to make a difference. We just need to be conscious of it and make wise choices. When each of us takes simple steps, together these actions add up.”

Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Government of India, said, “I would like to congratulate WWF-India on bringing down climate change to the level of an individual in an innovative and interesting format. Earth Hour gives the message that individuals too can make a difference to the problem of climate change'’

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Excited to see the commitment of Delhites at India Gate, Mr. Jim Leape, Director General, WWF International, said, “The incredible participation in Earth Hour this year, is a testimony to a great concern about the health of the living resources on which we all depend, and a recognition that each of us can play a part in building a sustainable future.”

I'll keep my cell phone on 'power saving mode' so that it consumes less battery and requires less charging. Besides that, I'll ensure the non-essential power consuming devices (UPS, lamps, emergency light) don't remain plugged-in once we are off to sleep. – Vasudha Pant

Tree plantation, Saying NO to plastic and wearing organic cotton is all that we do to save our planet. But now, it is time to go beyond this and share the spectrum of recondite knowledge on 'drastic climate change' and global warming with those who are unaware of this and to persuade those who seem to be apathetic towards this grave concern. Let us all educate our family, friends and go further and educate the masses in general. Let them too aid us in bringing a change - one which is for good. – Aj Thakkar

My classmates and I are going for a 5 km Earth Hour walk with candles and lanterns. I just hope it does not rain! – Venkat Rao

I have no right to waste the resources that belong to the society. I take the pledge of not wasting anything from now. I will consume only as much as I can use, be it food, power or water. – Eshan Trisal

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“It was a very good opportunity to work with WWF for a noble cause (Earth Hour). It shows that people from all over the world are now ready to raise their voices against environmental and social issues, if provided with a platform and WWF is a living example of this.”Vikash Munshi - Volunteer

Earth Hour 2011 was a unique and probably one of the best experiences of my life. It was the first time that I felt like doing something for our planet. It was nice to see people from all age groups come together for our better future."Let's get together for our EarthThe planet that gave us birthLet's make efforts to change the current pictureAnd get together to make a better future." Abhishek Rathore, Volunteer

Different ways to spend Earth Hour: Attend a local Earth Hour event or organize your own by throwing an Earth Hour street party with your neighbours. Gather family and friends for a night picnic in your local park and look at the stars. Enjoy a candlelight family dinner. Organize a treasure hunt in the dark. Take your dog out for a night walk. Have a candle-lit bath. Sit in the dark and share stories. Organize a family night, playing board games. – Sadhana PhuloreI, Volunteer

I have now started to walk to places that are close by therefore reducing the use of my two wheeler. We have completely stopped using plastic covers and take cotton bags for shopping. We switch off lights and fans when not in use. – Hari Krishna Gogulapaati

Infosys employees participating enthusiastically© WWF-India

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Indian Rock Band Euphoria performs at India Gate on the night of Earth Hour© WWF-India

EVENTSWorld Wetlands Day at Keoladeo

The theme for World Wetlands Day this year was 'Forests for Water and Wetlands'. The occasion was celebrated on 2nd and 3rd February, and the official venue appropriately chosen by the Ministry of Environment and Forests was, Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur – home to a large variety of indigenous and migratory wetland birds. WWF-India has been working in this Park for over a decade, focusing on core conservation activities, policy planning as well as community engagement programmes.

As part of the event, MoEF and the Rajasthan State Forest Department, in collaboration with WWF-India and Wetlands International, organised a technical workshop on Wetland Conservation and Management Rules 2010. The workshop was specially important as MoEF and representatives of several states presented and discussed the nuances of the newly notified rules incorporated in the Environment Protection Act 1986. The notification of these rules is considered to be of great significance in the conservation of wetlands in India.

The workshop was attended by top officials of the MoEF including Mr. M.F. Farooqui, Additional Secretary, who was the chief guest, and Dr. S. Kaul, Advisor to MoEF. Mr. Kaul also made a gripping presentation on national wetlands scenario.

Earlier, Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests, announced the launch of Siberian Crane Breeding Centre, and assured that the water supply issue in Keoladeo would be resolved in the coming year.

Puppet making workshop at Bharatpur© WWF-India

Painting competition for kids at Bharatpur© WWF-India

Mr. Ramesh also released the World Wetlands Day posters (both in English and Hindi) and awarded certificates of appreciation to 27 school students for undertaking conservation activities in their local areas.

WWF-India also organised a 'Bal Mela' for children from the neighbouring villages of the Keoladeo National Park, initiating them into interactive learning in vermi composting, rainwater harvesting, sustainable pasture technique and puppet making. The evening comprised enthralling performances by folk artists on the theme of water- a perfect amalgamation of fun and awareness.

Earlier, on 27-28th January 2011, WWF-India in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority had conducted an excursion for school students to Surajpur wetland. A total of 40 students from eight schools participated in the excursion. The Surajpur wetland, located in Dadri tehsil of district Gautam Budh Nagar, U.P, is a WWF-India project site being monitored by its Freshwater Programme.

The excursion began with a brief introduction to the Surajpur wetland and its avifaunal diversity by Dr. Asghar Nawab (Senior Project Coordinator) and Dr. Parikshit Gautam (Director, Freshwater and Wetlands Programme). The students and teachers then went on a nature trail, where they found numerous species of birds like the Sarus Crane, Eurasian Spoonbill, Purple Moorhen and Spot-billed Duck, besides a herd of blue bulls.

“Surajpur is like an oasis of nature in the midst of a desert of urban civilization,” said Gargi Ghosh from The Banyan Tree School, perfectly describing the beauty of a wetland, and leading to a discussion among students regarding the importance of managing a wetland like Surajpur and the need to encourage the public to experience this biodiversity first hand.

7 EVENTS

Encouraging Responsible Tourism Green Hiker

As a part of its Green Hiker campaign, WWF-India, in collaboration with Lonely Planet Magazine, India, organized the Ecotrail Travelogue Contest. The winners were awarded on 28th January 2011 at the WWF-India Secretariat. Mr. R.H. Khwaja, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, was the Chief Guest for the event and gave away prizes to the first three winners. In addition, seven special mention awards were also given.

The panel of judges comprised Vardhan Kondvikar, Editor, Lonely Planet Magazine, India; Prerna Singh Bindra, Writer and Journalist and Rita Sawhney, Photojournalist.

Eleven inspiring, enchanting and descriptive travel writings and experiences of nature friendly travel in the high altitude Himalayas won the awards. These articles can be read at http://greenhikercampaign.blogspot.com/2011/01/ecotrail-travelogue-winning-entries.html

Winners received trekking and camping gear and free subscriptions to the Indian edition of Lonely Planet Magazine. As a bonanza, the magazine also published the first three award-winning entries in its March issue.

The award ceremony was accompanied by a photo exhibition by renowned Himalayan photographer Mr. Ashok Dilwali. This complimented the spirit of the Himalayas and the great travel writings. “My Himalayan journey has sharply exposed the fragility of both the local people and the traveller when nature's balance is disrupted. We all have a lot to learn from Ladakh's well balanced traditional society if we want to continue to be able to safely enjoy one of the world's most magnificent and beautiful environments,” said Katherine Joanna Johnson, 1st prize winner.

“As I lingered after my stay, reluctant to leave, my host had a twinkle in his eye. There's a compulsory rule to this home stay, he said: Every satisfied guest has to plant a tree before leaving! Joyfully muddying my hands planting an oak-sapling, I wondered why resort owners hadn't thought of this remarkable conservation idea!” said Indu Balachandran, 2nd prize winner.

“Darkness and silence: they add to the grandeur of the Himalayas; to its enigma and its charm. Let's keep them as they are – Pristine. Unblemished. We're doing it for ourselves. We owe it to ourselves. Let's be selfish.” said Sheela Jaywant, Special Mention Award.

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Winners of the Ecotrail Travelogue contest along with the panel of judges© WWF-India

WWF-India launched its 'Tiger Series' comprising an exclusive coffee table book, ‘Tiger Talk’, WWF signature tiger watch collection and a photo exhibition on 17th March 2011, at The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

The unique series is an ongoing innovative tool for communicating our conservation effort and inspiring people to take positive action for saving the tiger in the wild.

A magical sufi musical performance by Bollywood baron Kunal Ganjawala, Ranjit Barot, the Nizami Qawwalis, Sridhar Parthasarthy, Sabir Khan and Hitesh Modak made the evening even more special.

The 'Tiger Talk' looks at tigers through the eyes of people who truly believe in their conservation value and have been passionately protecting them in the wild. The book captures their stories of love, courage and hope. Seasoned photographer Manoj Kumar Jain captured the different moods in his photographs. The book is designed by Ogilvy and Mather.

The limited edition WWF signature tiger watch collection, both for men and women, was also launched. The watch collection has been designed by WWF-India and manufactured by Titan Industries Limited. Ms. Feroze Gujral, a socialite and a wildlife enthusiast, launched the watches.

WWF-India in partnership with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations launched the Tiger Talk' photography exhibition at the ICCR, Azad Bhawan Gallery. Dr. Karan Singh inaugurated the exhibition on the unsung heroes of tiger conservation. The exhibition has been sent to Toronto as part of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas by ICCR, and will be globe-trotting from here on. WWF-India believes that such occasions create awareness on the need for protecting tigers, give interesting information, garner support and bring to the fore hidden stories of conservation champions.

Tiger Series A novel message on tiger conservation

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Mr Jairam Ramesh unveiling the coffee table book ‘Tiger Talk’© WWF-India

STRAIGHT FROM THE FIELDThe Tiger Saviour: Story of a Pardhi boy

I am Raaj Bhata, a 12 year old Pardhi boy studying in class III at the Pardhi School of Narangi Baag, Panna. Hunting for survival is my family

tradition. My family comprises my mother and my brother. Since the beginning, wild animals have drawn my attention. I used to go to the forest with my family everyday hunting for wild boars, partridges and quails.

I once saved a trapped partridge and tamed it against my mother's wishes. I called it Salman Khan! He gradually became a very good friend of mine. I learnt the different patterns of sounds it made.

As I grew, I began to see a change in the hunting trends in our society. Hunting had gone beyond wild boars and partridges under the influence of some people. They had started hunting for tigers and leopards as well. One

day, I joined my brother (Lal Kuwar) and my brothers-in-law (Malis and Kallu) in game hunting.

Deep into the forest, they were apparently searching for the footprints of a large animal near the pond. After tracing the pugmarks, they put circular iron traps over the pugmarks and camouflaged them.

We then waited on a tree top. After about 2-3 hours, we heard a loud roar, and the next moment saw the animal trapped. Everyone except me rejoiced at this. After reaching the spot, I saw a tigress in the trap. As she struggled hard to move out of it, my brother put a shovel in her mouth to completely incapacitate her. She cried with pain and suffering. Within a few moments, she fell.

A short while after this, they ruthlessly ripped her skin off. I had never been more disturbed before! The thoughts about the tigress's cubs, her family kept me up all night. That was when I pledged to never let any of my family members kill tigers or leopards.

I accompanied them the next time they went out hunting. I carefully observed the areas where they hid the traps. I went back with my friend, removed the traps and threw them in the pond nearby. It reassured me that another tiger was not going to be killed. That night I slept somewhat relieved.

I thank my school for making me understand the importance of tigers and leopards. I believe that it is essential for us to change our family tradition. Saving just one tiger has made me so happy! My aim in the future is to save and protect wildlife!

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Tiger © Khalid Pasha, TRAFFIC India

A forest in central India © Ola Jennersten, WWF-Sweden

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The Himalayan mountain ecosystems are likely to be among the most severely impacted as a result of climate change. A warmer climate will cause lower elevation habitats to shift to the upper elevation habitats replacing the alpine and sub alpine habitats. Also, changes in the depth of mountain snow peaks and glaciers, and changes in the seasonal melting can have irreversible impact on the mountain communities dependent on these resources. In the next 100 years, the earth's temperature is expected to increase by another 1.4 to 5.8 degree Celsius, which will have a lasting impact on human as well as plant and animal habitats, especially in the Himalayan region, where agriculture, human settlement, lakes and rivers, flora and fauna are highly sensitive to slight change in the climatic conditions.

The Indian Himalayan region supports around 13,000 species of flowering plants, i.e. nearly 50 per cent of all flowering plants in India. Majority of this flora is endemic to this region. The region is home to over 51 million people who practice agriculture and whose vulnerability is expected to increase on account of climate change. Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yamuna and other major Indian river systems originate in the Himalayas. A total of 1.3 billion people living on the vast basins downstream, amounting to about a fifth of the world's population, depend on Himalayan rivers for their water supply. Any changes in the Himalayan glacier dynamics and melting are expected to severely affect people in the Indian subcontinent.

Climate change in Himalayan states PROJECT UPDATES

In view of this, strategic efforts are being made at the national level to conserve fragile Himalayan ecosystems. The National Action Plan on Climate Change 2008 envisages 'National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem' as one of the eight missions to outline the existing and future policies and programmes addressing the issue of climate adaptation and mitigation in the Himalayan region. The mission attempts to address important issues concerning Himalayan glaciers and the associated hydrological consequences, biodiversity conservation and protection, and traditional knowledge societies and their livelihoods. At the state level, each Himalayan state is drawing up its Action Plan on Climate Change.

From January to March 2011, WWF-India in collaboration with the state institutions organized a series of stakeholder consultations in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The consultations were aimed at bringing together the stakeholders from the high altitude region and discuss the issues specific to them. The priority sectors identified from the perspective of High Altitude Region were tourism, agriculture, energy, hydropower, water resources, disaster management and forestry. Within these Himalayan states there is a significant variation in the importance assigned to each identified sector. In Jammu and Kashmir, disaster management was a priority sector while in Himachal Pradesh horticulture was the top concern.

The stakeholders in Uttarakhand felt the need for more research on impact of climate change in the state. In the Eastern Himalayan States, tourism, forestry and biodiversity were identified as the most significant sectors. The consultation has helped in constituting a group in each state which can give its recommendations for State Action Plan on Climate Change.

12Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim, © WWF-India

Laktsheden Theengh

WWF-National Law University, Delhi offer a course in Urban Management

Just over a year after the successful collaboration with IGNOU, WWF India's Centre for Environmental Law (CEL) added another feather to its cap. CEL and the National Law University, Delhi (NLUD) will now jointly run a post graduate diploma programme in 'Urban Environmental Management'.

The new programme aims to train and build capacity of the urban administrators and personnel by providing them an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the existing urban laws, by-laws and policies. The key objective of the programme is to provide policy prescriptions, innovations for better urban governance, information and training inputs to all those concerned with improving living conditions and quality of life for urban citizens.

Whether in the visible strands of urban life, like deteriorating infrastructure and housing, or the invisible heartache of poverty and deprivation, it is the urban administrator who faces the most difficult task today. The civic bodies are responsible for delivering some semblance of a decent life to its citizens. Therefore, strengthening the

delivery capacity of urban administrators and elected representatives is crucial for harmonious civil and environmental governance.

One of the best ways to tackle a situation like this is to strengthen the human resource pool of efficient urban managers. The new diploma programme is an initiative in this context.

The first batch of the one year PG Diploma programme will commence from July 2011. The programme will focus on capacity building and delivery development of urban administrators and personnel, private sector employees, the academia and NGOs. It will not only provide the learners a broader perspective of existing urban law/policies, but also train them to propose radical changes necessary in such laws for their convergence with environmental governance and sustainable development practices.

The programme is being technically supported by Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD). MoUD shall also be

issuing an internal circular in this regard, making it an essential component for its employees and urban administrators.

The programme will provide interdisciplinary analysis of the current urban issues with special emphasis on synthesis of urban laws with environmental concerns.

It would not only cover urban laws and policies, but also address current urban problems related to infrastructure, services, population, migration, shelter, etc in the light of both international and national perspectives presented through actual case studies.

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'Clean Cities don't just happen, they must be planned for; and they need to be managed'.

The thematic areas to be covered are:

1) Course I: Introduction to Urban Governance-Concepts and Practices

2) Course II: Laws and Policies

pertaining to Environment

3) Course III: Laws and Policies pertaining to Urbanisation

4) Course IV: Urban Legal and Policy Frameworks

5) Course V: Urban Development and Environment Protection Mechanisms in India

View of a city road© Ragini, WWF-India

Participants of the SAWEN meting in Bhutan © TRAFFIC India

The eight countries of South Asia – India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka – have established the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) (officially launched in January 2011) to co-operate in strengthening wildlife law enforcement in the region.

The SAWEN meeting was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan, with technical support from TRAFFIC and WWF Bhutan. The participants included country delegates and experts from the governments of the member countries, inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations including the CITES Secretariat, Interpol, ASEAN-WEN, Global Tiger Forum, World Bank, USAID, WWF and TRAFFIC.

In a message read out during the inaugural session, Mr Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Environment and Forests, Government of India, stated the avowed goal of strengthening the regional co-operation among the eight South Asian countries in combating illegal trade of wild animals.

As a part of the Strategic Development Dialogue (SDD) between the Governments of India and the UK, TRAFFIC India, in association with the Wildlife Institute of India and the State Forest Departments, conducted a series of wildlife law enforcement training workshops in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

The workshops were attended by officials of the DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence), SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), police, Railway Protection Force, customs, postal and transport departments and officials from the respective forest departments.

The main aim of these workshops was to sensitize the participants on issues related to illegal wildlife trade and give them an overview of the latest tools and technology available for combating such crime.

TRAFFIC India's five minute film “Don't Buy Trouble” that captures glimpses of the burgeoning illegal wildlife trade in India that threatens the country's precious flora and fauna is now available in Hindi. The Hindi version of the film titled “Musibat Na Mole Lein” was released during a wildlife law enforcement training workshop in Mumbai in January this year. The film is a crucial part of TRAFFIC India's consumer awareness campaign that advises against buying illegal wildlife products. The film was shot by renowned wildlife filmmaker Himanshu Malhotra and has been produced with support from WWF-India.

TRAFFIC update

SAWEN to monitor wildlife trade

Training in wildlife law enforcement

‘Musibat Na Mole Lein’

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Saving the clam clan If you enjoy seafood under a shack besides a beach or love those yummy tinned frozen clams that you just bought from a store, here is what you've got to know!

A major portion of the clam export comes from the Ashtamudi estuary, which is the second largest wetland ecosystem in Kerala. It takes pride in being home to 97 species of fish and 5-10 species of bivalves. Approximately 20,000 tones of clams are exploited annually from this estuary. The meat of these clams is consumed by humans while the shell is used in the cement and carbide industry.

The short neck clam, a species of clams that has a higher commercial value due to its taste, contributes about 12000-15000 tones of the total export. This trade fetches around Rs 4-5 crore in foreign exchange for our country. These clams are mainly exported to Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and United Arab Emirates. About 1000-1500 fishermen directly and 3000 fishermen indirectly are dependent on this trade.

In the 90s, over exploitation and indiscriminate fishing practices resulted in their sudden depletion. Through the intervention of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, the district administration, State Fisheries Department, Kollam and the clam fishermen of the region, regulations were formulated for the controlled harvesting of clams. These included the use of nets, ban on fishing from December to February (spawning period) and restriction on the export of frozen clam to 1400 nos/kg.

These conservation measures regulated the exploitation of clams. However, to make the short neck clam fishery sustainable, a need was felt for long term concerted efforts in this dynamic tropical estuary.

It was in this light that WWF introduced Marine Stewardship Certification (MSC) in 2009-10 as a long term sustainability intervention tool to prevent unsustainable exploitation of clams. Fisheries certification helps ensure effective management of fisheries through controlled harvesting for ecological balance, preferred supplier status and visible commitment to sustainability. Certification respects the long-term interests of people dependent on fishing for food and livelihood to the extent that it remains consistent with ecological sustainability.

As a first step towards fisheries certification, WWF-India has completed the pre assessment of the short neck clam fishery for eco-labelling. This is a new concept, and has been introduced in India for the first time. After addressing the gaps mentioned in the pre assessment report (documentation of impact of clam fishery on the ecosystem, implementation of the regulatory measures by local governing council etc.), WWF- India will move to the next step of complete certification. Currently the research gaps are being addressed by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.

Contributed by Vinod Malayilethu

15 PROJECT UPDATES

A fisherman holds the clams in his hands ©WWF-India

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17 PROJECT UPDATES

Under the auspices of Global Forest Trade and Network-India and the SWITCH Asia programme, a special training workshop was conducted on design development and marketing strategy. The workshop was aimed towards sensitising small and medium wooden handicrafts enterprises on the responsible usage and marketing of wooden handicrafts.

The training was organized in March 2011. Saharanpur and Nagina were chosen as the target areas for the implementation of the EC-Switch Asia programme due to their locational and commercial importance in timber trade.

Saharanpur:

Ÿ Famous for hand crafted wooden furnitureŸ Exports high quality furniture within India and abroadŸ A hub for timber production

Nagina:

Ÿ Famous for wooden handicrafts, especially ebony workŸ Also known as 'wood-craft city’

It was clear from the earlier workshops and meetings that the SMEs were facing a setback in their business from the growing global competition and the rising cost of timber, which had

GFTN-SWITCH ASIA PROGRAMMEBUILDING CAPACITY TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE WOOD TRADE

An artisan at work © Malika/ WWF-India

affected procurement of quality timber and production of high quality products. The workmanship and the craftsmanship had further deteriorated with an increase in the use of inferior quality wood like mango, jamun and kekar with the intention of driving down prices to retain the buyers.

The changes in the global timber market are beginning to have an impact on the Indian wood carving industry in the international market. Hence, a need was felt to build capacity among the wood processing industries of Saharanpur and Nagina. The quintessential objective of the training programme was to conserve the traditional inherited art of the Saharanpur and Nagina artisans while ensuring a sustainable supply of wood.

Art and design improvement techniques were taught that reduce wood consumption and hence reduce the cost. They were also trained in innovative methods of reusing and recycling the wood waste and apprised of responsible wood trade, certification schemes and sustainable fair trade management systems to help them improve the image of their organization and fetch premium prices for their products.

Mr. Aun A Jafrey, Executive, Producer Relations, Asha Handicrafts, presented the International Market Trends, 2011-2012 from the buyers perspective and laid emphasis on Sustainable Fair Trade Management System (SFTMS). He mentioned that if small traders are associated with brands like FSC, GFTN, SFTM, it would surely help them sustain in the international market, which has conscious buyers with increased product desirability towards such brands.

The training workshop was attended by various stakeholders including retailers, manufacturers, processors, wood handicraft exporters, representatives of trade associations, forest officials from Uttar Pradesh and representatives of certifying bodies.

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A training workshop in progress at Saharanpur © WWF-India

Kerala - Conservation initiatives The field team at Kerala is working on 'Development of Sustainable Livelihood Security Index for the Vembanad Lake' and a comprehensive survey of the 'Status of Marine Turtles along the entire Indian Coast'. Various stakeholders including the fishermen community, coastal residents, local self government representatives, religious establishments are being consulted to understand the issues involved.

Workshops and events -A two-day workshop on 'Strengthening Wildlife Law Enforcement in India' was conducted by TRAFFIC India, Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Wildlife Institute of India and DEFRA-UK.

A series of events were conducted while celebrating the World Wetlands Day from 31st January to 2nd February. School children were taken for a field trip to Mundery Kadavu, Kattampally wetlands. Painting, poster making and quiz competitions were also conducted.

WWF-India Kerala State Office observed World Forestry Day with a two-day programme in association with DC School of

Management and Technology, Vagamon. An amateur Nature Photography Competition was announced on the theme of 'Forests of Kerala' which received about 36 entries. A select group of 30 students were taken for a 'Forest Field Visit'.

Karnataka - Promoting fuel use efficiency People living in the vicinity of forests depend on them for their fuelwood needs. It is in this context that the Karnataka state office of WWF-India, in association with Corelogic, sourced fuel-efficient smokeless stoves (Envirofit) for the villagers of Hodadoddi.

This village is situated on the borders of a wildlife sanctuary and its inhabitants heavily depend on the sanctuary for their fuelwood requirement. A total of 50 stoves were distributed in the first lot and more are to follow.

Corelogic and WWF in association with Parisara Premi Sangha, the pro-conservation youth group of Hosadoddi, had conducted a preliminary socio-economic survey of the village with an aim to decrease its dependence on the sanctuary for fuelwood requirements, at the same time reducing their carbon emissions. The stoves have demonstrated a substantial decrease in fuelwood consumption. Necessary monitoring protocols have been put in place for proper evaluation of this conservation effort.

STATE CONSERVATION INITIATIVES

19 STATES

Smokeless stoves being distributed to the villages ©WWF-India

Olive Ridley turtles mating© Sejal Worah/ WWF-India

Orissa - Protecting Olive Ridley hatcheriesThe Orissa State Office of WWF-India is assisting the State Forest Department in setting up and managing Olive Ridley turtle hatcheries at places marked with sporadic nesting. The team is also assisting in the protection of the Rushikulaya mass nesting rookery. Day and night patrolling by local volunteers and fencing off the rookery to protect it from feral dogs, jackals, hyenas and jungle cats has ensured zero predation. Awareness camps on turtle friendly fishing techniques were conducted with the fishermen community in the villages close to the rookery.

A survey of the existing nesting sites of Olive Ridleys' is being conducted in order to evaluate their present status and threats, if any, so that strategies for better management and conservation of the rookeries can be planned.

The local Nandan Kanan Zoo has also asked WWF team to conduct awareness programmes on wetlands for schools. The students were apprised of the wetlands of the state through films/ documentaries, and the need to conserve them. Cleaning of the lake bank, nature trails, rallies were also organized to sensitize the visitors about wetland conservation.

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Olive Ridley turtles ©Bivash Pandav

Maharashtra - Organizesphotography competition The Maharashtra state office conducted nature trails to Byculla Zoo, Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, Nehru Science Centre and the Bhimashanker Wildlife Sanctuary with a focus on medicinal plants and the giant Indian Squirrel, the state animal of Maharashtra.

Workshops and events -To celebrate World Wetlands Day on 2nd February, WWF-Maharashtra office organised a photography competition in association with the Young Environmentalist Programme Trust. The competition received over 250 photographs from across the country as well as from countries like USA, Singapore, Dubai, Pakistan, Switzerland and France.

In another event, the Godrej Mangrove Centre invited WWF to be a part of an educational exhibition on 'Ramsar Convention' and to participate in the national seminar on “Sustainable development – vision 2025”. It presented a poster on the 'Occurrence of rotifers and its relation to the water quality during the bioremediation process in Lake Kacharali' (Thane, Maharashtra).

Earth Hour on 26th March was observed across Mumbai where the team had worked for the promotion of the campaign through its volunteers and contacts. The event was locally supported by BEST, Reliance, Frooti, AIAI, TAJ group, etc.

Goa - Identifying tiger corridors The Goa State Office has laid emphasis on the identification of tiger corridors and collection of evidence and remains of prey carcasses.

The state office released posters on snakes, butterflies and frogs of Goa, and organized several nature trails for school students and general public in different parts of the state

in order to sensitize them about the conservation issues related to flora and fauna.

The state office has also been instrumental in rescuing wildlife in collaboration with the State Forest Department. Apart from this, WWF-Goa has been appointed to carry out a survey on trees in the Panaji municipal area.

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2nd prize winner of the photography competition© Sagar Gosani

During a nature trail in Goa ©WWF-India

Madhya Pradesh - Training indigenous people in wildlife protectionPardhis, a tribal community, live in make-shift houses close to forests. They are traditionally skilled hunters. The younger generation also follows in the footsteps of their parents.

In order to educate them about the need to protect wildlife, the Madhya Pradesh State Office of WWF started a residential school in Panna in association with Government agencies.

These children are given vocational training in knitting, carpentry, embroidery, painting and are made aware of the need to conserve nature and wildlife through workshops, lectures, movies on wildlife, competitions, campaigns, nature trails etc.

Andhra Pradesh - Raises awareness about Earth Hour WWF-Andhra Pradesh state office in association with Kakinada Municipal Corporation, Nyros Technologies, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Hotel Ishwarya Grand, Regency Ceramics and WWF student volunteers from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, organized an event on Earth Hour at Kakinada.

A video message by film actors Nagarjuna Akkineni, Amala Akkineni, Sumanth and Dr. Ghazal Srinivas popularised the event in the state.

Be it the Joint Collector who appealed to the entire city to turn off the lights for the designated hour or the media promoting the message by constantly airing it, the movement got a lot of support from the entire city.

A day before Earth Hour, WWF Andhra Pradesh office conducted a workshop on energy audit for students of JNTU, Kakinada. The students from schools and colleges, government officials, NGOs and general public also joined in the candle walk organised by WWF Andhra Pradesh office.

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Earth Hour at Andhra Pradesh ©WWF-India

Girls being trained in knitting ©WWF-India

Himachal Pradesh - Documenting sacred grooves Sacred groves are a major component of environmental protection. The concept seems to have emerged in traditional societies where people attached sacredness to various species. Unknowingly, such traditional and cultural attitudes have made a significant contribution towards conserving many plant species.

In Himachal Pradesh, the local myths and legends associated with sacred groves go a long way in preserving the forests from destruction. There are several groves dedicated to a particular deity (called Dev Van or 'devta ka jungle') where one is not allowed to cut trees or even extract dry leaves from the area. In these places many plants and animals are considered sacred. At higher altitudes, the sacred groves have Cedrus deodara and a few associated species viz. Pinus roxburghii, Pinus religiosa, Quercus semicarpifolia, Juniperus sp. as dominant species. In other areas the dominant species include Shorea robusta, Popular ciliate, Acacia catechu, Cassia fistula, Tectona grandis etc. The thick forests provide a good habitat for leopards, barking deers, ghorals, black bears, hares, wolves and many more.

The sacred groves thus play a significant role in in situ conservation of biodiversity. They are a natural gene pool and act as a repository of rare and endemic species. They harbour plants of great ethno-botanical importance. The high density of plants also helps in soil and water conservation.

However, with the developing market economy, increasing demand and unscientific exploitation of natural resources has adversely affected the health of these sacred groves. The traditional practices of conservation by community participation are also deteriorating. It has hence become imperative to restore the cultural and natural heritage of the Himalayas.

It is in this regard that a three-year project on “Documentation of sacred and protected groves of Himachal Pradesh and their woody flora” was undertaken by WWF with the support of G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Almora. As a part of the project, 378 sacred groves from Kinnaur, Kullu, Solan, Sirmour, Mandi and Shimla were documented in the first year. A WWF Himachal Pradesh office initiative, this project will help in conserving the highly endangered flora and fauna of this beautiful Himalayan landscape.

Contributed by Vandana Thapliyal

23 STATES

Bunasa, Kullu ©WWF-India

INTERNATIONALEnergy Report: Safe Energy For All By 2050 Meeting the future energy demand through renewable energy to beat climate change and scarcity of hydrocarbons has been a matter of earnest concern. After over two years of intense research, The Energy Report breaks new ground with its global scope and consideration of total energy needs including transport, and making adequate and safe energy for all.

The Energy Report shows that in four decades we can have a world of vibrant economies and societies powered entirely by clean, cheap and renewable energy and with a vastly improved quality of life. According to WWF Director General, Mr Jim Leape, “We are offering an alternative scenario – far more promising and entirely achievable”.

The report shows that by 2050, power, transport, industrial and domestic energy needs would be met with only isolated residual uses of fossil and nuclear fuels – vastly reducing anxieties over energy security, pollution and not least, catastrophic climate change.

Energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles and industry would be a key ingredient, along with an increase in the energy needs met through electric power, renewably generated and supplied through smart grids.

According to this ambitious scheme of things, by 2050 total energy demand will be 15 percent lower than in 2005, despite increase in population, industrial output, freight and travel - and energy being made available to those currently not enjoying its benefits. The world would no longer rely on coal, or nuclear fuels, while international rules and cooperation limit potential environmental damage from biofuel production and hydroelectricity development.

Importantly, The Energy Report scenario would see CO2 emissions from the world's energy supply sector reduced by over 80 per cent by 2050 - providing a high level of confidence that the average global temperature rise will be limited to less than two degrees Celsius identified as threshold of unacceptable risks of catastrophic climate change.

24INTERNATIONAL

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WWF-India - NEWSLETTER JANUARY- APRIL 2011IND