conservation of the wetlands is the
need of the hour. The strategy could be
two-fold, namely, (i) conservation to
rejuvenate the wetlands so as to achieve
meaningful ecosystem services of the
wetlands; and (ii) to provide means
of sustainable livelihood for wetland
dependent communities through
conservation strategies.
Thirdly, formation of cluster groups
of villages and/or village communities
settled in wetland periphery to engage
them in conservation related activities
in the long term. An important activity
can be mobilization of youth through
eco-clubs to generate awareness
on protection and conservation of
wetlands, and engagement in wetland
conservation activities. There is need
to vitalize social policing by local
communities (Eco-clubs, conservation
groups, village level Wetland
Conservation Committees, etc.) to
protect and safeguard wetlands.Fourthly, the formation of inter-
departmental committee of relatedline departments of the Government
of Manipur for monitoring, evaluation
and maintenance of the wetlands need
to be constituted at the earliest so as
to protect, preserve and conserve the
existing wetlands and other important
water bodies in long term measure.Fifthly, to declare wetlands as Bird
Sanctuaries and or Water Reserves
(such as Forest Reserves) so that they are
protected by law against encroachments,
physical modifications and degradation
by human activities.Loktak Lake, Photo by Kissor Meetei
neScholar 0 vol 4 0 issue 4 59
WETLANDS I NATURE