Policy Consultation on Himalayan Wetlands

BACKGROUND:

This is a two-day programme jointly organized by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) and the World Wildlife Fund – India (WWF). It will focus on reviewing and prioritizing existing governance, policy, tourism and climate change issues of wetlands (high and medium altitudes) in Jammu & Kashmir as well as developing a framework for the effective management, sustainable use, and conservation of mountain wetlands in Jammu & Kashmir with a special focus on Ladakh.

The consultation will comprise an interactive programme consisting of keynote presentations, case studies, panel discussion and group discussion sessions. The presenters and panelists will include policy experts and practitioners, government and industry representatives, community members and academics. Stakeholders in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands including different government departments and agencies, research and academic institutions, NGOs, tour operators, local communities and CBOs will be actively involved throughout them meeting.

The primary outcomes envisaged are: a) a policy action plan for the conservation and sustainable use of high and medium altitude wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir, and b) a roadmap to establish a common platform for the stakeholders, practitioners and policy makers to exchange information and strategies for climate change adaptation, sustainable use and tourism management in mountain wetlands.

This is the first in a series of proposed site-specific consultation planned across the country in critical wetland and grassland habitats organized by ATREE with support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

SPEAKERS:

• Dr. Jagdish Krishnaswamy (ATREE)
• Dr. Siddhartha Krishnan (ATREE)
• Priya Shrestha (WWF-India)
• Dr. Pankaj Raina, (Wildlife Warden, Leh)

EVENT DURATION:

August 23^rd and 24^th, 2018

VENUE:

Conference Hall (Near DC Office, Opp. Polo Ground), Leh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir