Implementing Agency: SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society)
Need of the project- Building on the principles of Nature based Solutions (NbS) with envisages to secure wetlands and their life supporting services to build community resilience towards water-related risks in areas around Kanwar Basin. Scalable models of community-managed Ecosystem based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) measures will be designed and implemented in the six Panchayats around Kanwar Lake.
What we do
Implementing Eco-DRR project in 06 Gram Panchayats namely Manjhaul 1, 2 & 3, Rajaur, Dunahi and Khajahanpur of Garhpura and Cheriabariyarpur Block of Begusarai District.
05 water bodies were identified, and assessment was conducted for better understanding of its previous and current situation and also bring about awareness within community about its management and conservation. The local community got aware on the importance and values of wetlands.
Integrated Risk Management trainings was facilitated in all 06 Gram Panchayats and 317 people participated in the training. The people comprised PRIs, farmer and Fisher community, SHG members, PRS, youth group and livestock rearer. They got trained over Integrated Risk Management approaches and its key principle. They were made aware about Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptations, Ecosystem Management and Restoration through games and open discussion based on the risk, vulnerability, capacity and the time scale necessary.
Awareness programmes were organized on various internationals day such as World Wetlands Day, World Environment Day, International Women Day and World Nature Conservation Day to create awareness among school students and local communities over the importance and benefits of healthy wetlands and conservation of environment and its management. To cope up with the problem plantation drive was conducted within targeted landscape in which 11 units (200 in each unit) got planted in Manjhaul 2 GP (3 units), Manjhaul 3 GP (1 unit), Rajour GP (2 units), Khajahanpur GP (3 units) and Dunahi GP (2 units).
Numerous engagement meeting was conducted with PRI’s and panchayat secretary were made aware about the ongoing schemes of the government based on environment and ecosystem such as Jal Jeevan Hariyali, MGNREGA etc. with respect to fund leverage under the gram panchayat development plan. As of now gram panchayat plans only include the development activities like road construction, electric pole installation etc. without considering the perspective of environment.
Meeting was conducted with fisheries cooperatives regarding ongoing government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana which generally includes the insurance schemes in which they can get a loan to buy, sell and rear fish to enhance their livelihood.
All stakeholders got trained on water management with the objective to build capacity and knowledge about water security and wetland management and restoration. All the participants got aware over the water security and ongoing running government schemes like MGNREGA schemes soak pit construction is in process to reduce the wastage of water in daily life. They understand the concept of water security plan based on the past and present condition of water bodies and their water holding capacity during floods. Funds were leveraged from Jal Jeevan Hariyali and various other schemes under MGNREGA such as- Plantation, construction of soak pit, Vermi pit and well retrofitting etc.
In association with farmer and fisheries cooperative, 255 acres of land has been restored in targeted 06-gram panchayat for plantation under Namami Gange and MGNREGA scheme to regain their natural characteristics and re-establish their physical, chemical and biological functions. The restoration can be reinforcing the water retention, precipitation and increase the air quality, water table (ground water and surface table), decrease the soil erosion and affect the heat waves.
Leaving a mark– Local community capacitated to take ownership of their water bodies surrounds the Kanwar basin. Eco-DRR measures include protection and management of wetlands, promotion of wetland wise-use, plantation of native species, and capacity building
of relevant stakeholders to implement Eco-DRR. These ground interventions will be upscaled through evidence-based policy recommendations to promote wetland management and Eco-DRR solutions for reducing water related risks.