India is celebrating “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” to mark 75 years of her independence. Under “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav”, the Wetland Division of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt. of India has scheduled a series of wetland awareness, education and sensitization programmes for 75 weeks from 12-3-2021 to 22-8-2022 for various states and UTs of the country through the involvement of Forest Departments, State Wetland Authorities and Knowledge Partner organizations of the respective states/UTs.

Out of these 75 weeks, the period from 4^th to 10^th October is being celebrated as the “ICONIC WEEK” during which, special activities at India’s 46 Ramsar Sites (in addition to some potential Ramsar Sites) in various states of the country have been planned and directed by the MoEFCC with the pivotal implementing role of Forest Departments, States’ Forests and Environment Departments, State Wetlands Authorities and Knowledge Partner organizations of the respective states.  The ICONIC week is characterized by significant wetland conservation awareness/sensitization activities at existing/potential Ramsar Sites.

Gujarat State has 3 Ramsar Sites, viz. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Thol Wildlife Sanctuary and Wadhvana wetland. Moreover, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is considered as a wetland having high potential of getting Ramsar Site recognition soon. In Gujarat State, the ICONIC Week will be celebrated from 4^th to 10^th October at these four wetland sites by Gujarat Forest Department based on the directives of the Wetland Division of MoEFCC and technical inputs from MoEFCC’s Knowledge Partner GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar. Various activities have been planned and implemented for this celebration which would create awareness, sensitization and knowledge necessary for conservation of these Ramsar Sites and other wetlands of the State.

As a part of the celebration, it is planned to select Wetland Ambassador species for each of these four wetlands. Three to four potential ambassador species have already been selected for each of the four wetlands. Each species selected as a potential ambassador for each of the four wetlands is unique to the respective wetland. People’s opinion will also be sought regarding the best one among the selected potential ambassador species for each wetland.

Another planned activity, which is already implemented on the first day of celebration (i.e. 4^th October) is to install signage boards at each of the three Ramsar Sites (i.e. Nal Sarovar, Thol and Wadhvana) and at Khijadia wetland. The signage boards (5ft x 3ft) at each wetland display the values and threats pertaining to the respective wetland and also provides other important information like its area, Ramsar Site number etc.

One of the most important initiatives for each of the four wetlands of the State under ICONIC Week celebration is to form separate “Wetland Mitra” groups associated with each wetland. The members selected for each “Wetland Mitra” group are those who have demonstrated interest in the well-being of the respective wetlands. The “Wetland Mitras” are expected to help the authorities in long term conservation and wise use of the respective wetlands.

During the first day of the Celebration (i.e. on 4^th October), some important activities were already carried out at Gujarat’s first Ramsar Site- Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. About 200 participants took part in the first day celebration that included people of “Padhar” tribe having obligatory livelihood dependence on this wetland, leaders/representatives of some NGOs and Forest Department officers and staff. About 100 Wetland Mitras were registered on the day and they took oath/pledge of protecting the wetland. Similar important activities were also carried out on the first day for rest of the Ramsar Sites of Gujarat and at Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary. During the remaining days, many other important activities are planned, which include cleanliness drive (especially plastic removal drive) at these wetlands and poster competition, quiz competition, painting competition, debate, bird-guide training, one-day workshops, wetland film screening etc. involving school students and villagers associated with respective wetlands.

In planning and implementing all the activities at each wetland, pivotal roles were played by the Dy. CFs of the respective wetlands, which include Dr. Brijesh Chaudhary (Nal Sarovar and Thol Sanctuaries), Shri R. Senthil Kumaran (Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary) and Shri M. L. Meena (Wadhvana wetland). Director, GEER Foundation Shri U. D. Singh, IFS made it sure that GEER Foundation give scientific/technical inputs wherever required. Dr. Ketan Tatu, Sr. Scientist, GEER Foundation and Ex-Officio Member of the State Wetland Authority provided technical inputs and contributed to coordination.

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